Kids blossom thanks to arts academy
THE Tsogo Sun Arts Academy forms part of the extracurricular activities of 12 schools in Diepsloot and Mayfair.
Now in its third year, it teaches 480 pupils the basics of drama, dance, vocal training and voice projection, with a structured life skills course that empowers the youngsters to make sound choices.
The hotel group has worked closely with the Gauteng Department of Education in identifying schools and developing them, says Vusi Dlamini, Tsogo Sun s human resources director.
As the pupils present their year-end concerts in Diepsloot next week and Mayfair the week after, giving them the opportunity to showcase the skills they ve learnt, it s clear that the programme is having the desired results.
Nqobile Vlekis (16), a pupil at Diepsloot West Secondary School, was accepted into the academy after attending a dance audition. I have learnt that you don t have to be afraid to show your full potential in front of other people. We are taught to be confident. We are taught how to respect people and not to discriminate against anyone.
Katlego Makao (14) says joining the academy has kept me occupied and made me become more focused. After school I attend Arts Academy sessions and then head home and do my homework.”
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Nkosikhona Ndebele (19) is a Grade 11 pupil at Diepsloot Number 3 High School. He has excelled in the programme, winning last year s Naledi Star Award (Individual).
I used to be a bully. I would take other children s money and that was not right. I did it because I thought everybody else was doing it. I was hanging out with the wrong crowd, who influenced me to swear at teachers. But my attitude changed when Tsogo Sun came to our school.
I now had something better to do. When we were taken on outings with the Arts Academy, I met people who inspired me to become a better person, to become more respectful and more disciplined. I changed as a result of this programme. My school realised I had leadership skills and I was elected as the school s president. I learnt that I am capable of motivating my peers.”
Tsogo Sun Group corporate social investment manager Shanda Paine says the children have been honing their performance skills over the past nine months to show fellow pupils, parents and community members how much can be accomplished through hard work and dedication.
We are all working with our partners, Minimax, leaders in school arts curriculums, as well as the educators and parents. While we have a long way to go, we have achieved much.”