The project, initiated by the City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Department, included performances and an exhibition by the learners.
The project was driven by the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) and the entire school was given an opportunity to submit ideas for a mural focusing on creative solutions to social issues.
PROUD: Councillor Angus McKenzie with learners.
Out of this process, 10 learners with an interest in art were selected to attend a design workshop with mural artist Wayne Beukes, also known as Conform.
The 10 learners were taught the basics of creating a mural, from design concepts to implementation. They used anti-apartheid activist Ashley Kriel, from Bonteheuwel, for their mural with messages aimed at spreading positivity.
PARTICIPATED: Aden Appollis, 15.
Learner Aiden Appollis, 15, who worked on the mural says his message “Inspire before you expire”, wants young people to realise they can make a change.
“If you look at what Ashley Kriel did, you will see that his youth did not hold him back,” says the teen.
“I want other learners to see that we can make a change in Bonteheuwel. I mean right now, we can’t even go outside because of the gangsters but if we do something together we can make a change.”
Councillor Angus McKenzie said the community has now started a trust account for learners who want to pursue a career in graphic design.
The first recipient of the trust is Aretha Ernstzen, 16, who showed the most artistic flair while working on the mural, he said.