Painting by numbers
On Wednesday afternoon we went to Letaba school for our first day of activities. We started to work with around eight 
children, using paints, pens and pencils, and paper to create artworks based around the children’s identities. For example, they wrote their names and ages, drew pictures of their friends and families and the things they like. We also helped them to paint their hands and feet and make prints to contribute to their artwork. All the children appeared to enjoy the activities, although it was difficult communicating at times because some couldn’t or wouldn’t speak. The creativity of the art allowed them to communicate with us in non-verbal ways, which helped us to get an indication of the children’s thoughts and feelings.
As the afternoon went on, more children came by and noticed what we were doing and came to join in too. We blew up balloons which they painted faces on, and made paper planes which they had competitions with, throwing them across the room. As more children came and it became more chaotic, Angelica went outside with some of the children to do drawing and painting, allowing the quieter children to enjoy the activities inside. The children appeared to enjoy the afternoon, and though it was hard work keeping up with their energy and excitement, it was great to see them responding positively to the activities.