As artists we are often approached to exhibit our work at various fairs, and fundraisers, or to donate work for an auction to raise funds for a charity, or a cause involving a private individuals education, or medical costs, or supporting victims of a natural disaster. Over the years I have got involved with all of these types of “exhibits”. And when one is new to a community, it’s the quickest way to introduce oneself as a working artist.

Some causes one feels more connected to than others. Siyakha is one of those! It is an education and literacy initiative that was established to fill a gap and support education in rural South Africa. The idea is supporting and strengthening education in a particular area of need will translate into real benefits for the youth.  It is a not-for-profit  organisation delivering training for early years educators and carers in the subdistrict of Hlabisa in Umkanyakude, Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) operating out of the town of Mtubatuba.  Their team provides free education delivered with the purpose of improving the learning, and emotional experience for children in child care.  The initiative exposes the youth in the more rural and isolated communities to education, especially if their caregivers such as crèche mothers, parents or grandparents are not educated and semi literate, or in some cases even illiterate. The belief is that development goals will only be achieved if education in areas such as this are improved, and if children are better prepared to learn.

Besides my own agenda, the sale of my work benefits this very deserving organisation as a percentage of my sales on the evening are going towards them. Supporters come to offer moral support, and also to buy art (not necessarily mine), and at the same time learn about the charity. Everyone gets exposure – some of the artists sell their work, and the charity fills their coffers and gains more awareness within the community, which could in turn lead to more volunteers, and other types of support for their cause.

A large majority of the time these types of events are not hosted in large posh galleries, but in community centres, or church halls, or even someone’s private home. Some venues are prettier than others. This one falls into the pretty, gorgeous setting category. It was held on Wednesday night the 8^th of March at the Monzi Country Club, nestled in the tropical setting of the Monzi golf course. A beautiful venue and a lovely evening with an amazing turnout, and some very talented, creative artists. There were 12 artists exhibiting and I was delighted and excited to see how much talent was out there in this small community! Very impressive and inspirational!

Thank you to everyone for all the hard work in making this happen, for inviting me to exhibit, for the delicious food, a lovely evening, as well as the opportunity to get to know some of you better, and for the occasion to learn more about Siyakha!