Elderly people awarded for their hard work

More than 20 Nellmapius senior citizens who successfully completed an introduction to visual arts course have been awarded their certificates.

The course was organised by Umzebo Omhle Creative Arts and kicked off at the beginning of the year.

The award ceremony was held at the Nellmapius skills development centre and was also an exhibition to showcase the art work of the elders.

A total of 23 senior citizens received their certificates.

Vuyani Nxedlane of Umzebo Omhle said when he started the programme with the elderly people, he never thought that “they would go this far”.

“The dedication showed by the elders was unbelievable but believing in themselves helped them to come this far.”

The senior citizens who participated in the programme are members of Togetherness Senior Citizens Club.

Nxedlane said it was not easy because the elderly had different challenges.

“Some of the elderly people had challenges hearing, sight or writing, but the one-on-one sessions helped a lot,” he said.

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Nxedlane said that it was unfortunate that the elderly has refused to sell their art during the exhibition that open for the community of Nellmapius.

The elders said their artwork was not for sale and they were planning to hold onto the pieces forever, but promised they would think about selling their next artworks.

Nxedlane said during the introduction of visual arts, the elderly participants had opportunity to be taught about different forms of drawings from pencil sketches, charcoal, graphite, water colouring and acrylic.

Lucy Bokaba of Togetherness Senior Citizens Club said the visual art teacher was very patient. “Some of us have never drawn anything in our lives but he made it easy for us.

“The most important thing about the programme is that it has also helped us to fight boredom and to discover our hidden talents,” she said.

“We no longer stress about social issues,” said Bokaba.

Area councillor Thabo Ntlatleng who offered Umzebo Omhle Creative Arts a place to work with the elderly said he made a correct decision.

“The visual art programme has changed the lives of the elderly people in Nellmapius and today, they have something to brag about,” said Ntlatleng.

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