Grade 7 learners across public primary schools in Ivory Park, Ebony Park, Kaalfontein, Rabie Ridge, and Midrand will receive free support to prepare for secondary school through a new theatre-in-education project.

The Baobulb Drama Academy announced that its Transition Tales project, funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture through the Mzansi Golden Economy, will roll out in early 2027.

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At the centre of the project is the play Sweethearts and Brats, a production exploring relationships, adolescence, and personal growth.

According to Baobulb Drama Academy founder Brian Jokozela, the project was born from what teachers see every day.

“We are seeing bullying and aggression, disrespect towards teachers and parents, low self-esteem, poor communication, difficulty managing emotions, and negative attitudes towards learning. Grade 7 is a sensitive age. If we don’t give pupils tools to manage relationships and emotions before high school, we lose them,” said Jokozela.

Transition Tales aims to promote positive relationships, self-awareness, empathy, and life skills while giving learners a safe platform to express themselves.

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The project will recruit and train 26 young artists as arts fieldworkers. Two arts fieldworkers will be assigned to each participating primary school to work with Grade 7 learners after school for two hours, three days per week, during January 2027. Sessions will use play-based learning and rehearsals for Sweethearts and Brats.

In February and March 2027, each school will host a Play Presentation and Talk Show Day where learners will perform and engage in open dialogue with teachers and parents about the issues raised in the play.

“This is not just a play. It’s a classroom intervention. The outcomes we want are improved confidence, better relationships between pupils, teachers and parents, and practical life skills,” Jokozela added.

The academy is inviting Grade 7 heads of department, Life Orientation teachers, and principals to enrol their schools. Participation is free for selected schools.

Interested schools must submit a letter of interest on an official letterhead, stating the school name and contact person, via email to lulamajokozela@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Transition Tales – School Enrolment’. The project team will then contact the school for a briefing meeting.

“Transition Tales is about ensuring that when our children go to high school, they go with self-awareness and respect. Ivory Park and Midrand, this is for you,” concluded Jokozela.

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