Day 32 - Mmabana Cultrural Center

A program running for 20 years, the Mmabana Cultural Center has a lot going for itself and it's students who attend it's programs. We met this morning with a guy ... his name slips me at the moment ... who coordinates a program that allows students in the city to come in and take art lessons. The cost is about $7.00 per 3 month term which is wonderful because poverty sits at the doorstep of most of the residents so taking classes associated with a high fee would mean no students. Why open a center with nobody to be in it?




This programs goal is to get kids off the street and into something instead of violence and robbery. They offer a huge variety of classes ranging from ceramics, drawing, printmaking, drama, and music. They do a ton of fundraising for the program, but the students have an option whether or not they'd like to sell their work. They provide students with training on how to live with their art as a revenue building scheme, but they try to encourage students to go further wight their work and compete on local and national levels.

They average about 20 students per term, but will accept more if needed. Listening to our guide speak with us, he tells us how all he does even if kids are late with paying dues, they simply encourage them to be he and working. I think that's amazing. Here is a sample of some student work ...




"The whole thing is to see how you can give back." "when I work I teach, and when I teach I work." whether he is in the classroom or outside in the community, his goal is to get kids involved because he loves what he does. Wow, what a motivation to be a great educator personally. As I am sitting here I begin to think about all the things I could be doing to hep my own kids grow. I know there have been many things I have done in the past even with my last job at the middle school, but man is this not the right words for my hungry heart to continue to serve greater.

This trip has really inspired me to be a better person/teacher/friend. I have met so many wonderful people who have said just the right things I needed to hear to continue on with the best things I can do to motivate my career. It's so easy to get caught up in things that can frustrate you in your job, but when I walk through these schools and into these facilities it makes me so thankful for what I know I've already got. I am going to make a strong effort to continue to grow spiritually and push to be a listening set of ears instead of an unsatisfied mouth.

Man, God is good to bring this into my thoughts. Thanks for an open mind :)


- With all my thanks :)

Location:Thaba Nchu, South Africa