On Monday 18 July 2011, students from three Departments in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (Interior Design, Visual Art and Jewellery Design), picked up their paint brushes and made a valuable contribution to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Mandela Day initiatives.
The university celebrated Mandela day at both the Helen Joseph Hospital (adjacent to UJ Kingsway campus) and the Chris Hani Hospital (Soweto). Prior to Mandela day, the UJ Community Engagement unit identified a number of feasible community activities which included the painting of hospital wards and the crèche facility at Helen Joseph Hospital.
The 3rd year students from the Department of Visual Art together with two senior Jewellery Design students in addition to ten members of the Interior Design members were divided into three groups and collectively contributed to Mandela Day 2011. The groups of art students were supported by participating Visual Art lecturers.
Art and Design Students from the University of Johannesburg at Helen Joseph Hospital on Mandela Day
One of the group painted cartoon animations on selected walls of the Helen Joseph crèche whilst the second group spent time making art with the children at the crèche. The third group took the children into the eating area where they told stories and prepared food treats. It was a productive and fun day in which the students actively engaged with the children and crèche staff.
The crèche principal and staff were delighted with the colourful images on the crèche walls and shared their delight that “God has answered their prayers”.
Volunteers from the Department of Visual Art have expressed their willingness to return to the crèche and paint more designs on the walls prepared by the Interior Design Department.
Art and Design students from the University of Johannesburg making a difference
at Helen Joseph Hospital Crèche on Mandela Day (18 July 2011)