An arty day, full of paints and pots of laughter
Saturday we decided to have an art day with the aim of providing an opportunity for the children to express themselves freely through art. We believed that this could work better for the children as understanding of language was less crucial. Some of the children had already left for home, which provided a chance to work with a more manageable group, which included some of the older children, who could speak some English. This proved to be a great success as the children were able to demonstrate their creativity and the enjoyment that they were having shone through in their artwork and in their faces. It was a windy day with thunder in the air and big spots of rain threatening to wash our fun away. However, the children were not concerned and watching us chasing the paper caused them much merriment and laughter . We covered the floors with paper, paints and vereything we could think of, and they very quickly hurried in to enjoy this!
Their pictures were full of hearts and love and they continually asked for more paper, exhausting our supply quite rapidly.
A few of the younger children enjoyed painting stones with their fingers and hand prints were once again a big success.
Using small canvas boards the children drew some inspirational pictures of Vervet Monkeys and we were really pleased when some showed an understanding that the monkeys are not pests but an important part of their natural environment.
Their pictures communicated a story with us, and also broke down the language barrier. We were very touched by the work that they had done and the way that they had managed to expressed their feelings, freely, but positively and non intrusive.
The afternoon was uplifting for us all and we were eager to return the next day.
