In an exciting collaboration between Lovedale TVET College and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, students from the Art and Design programme are currently engaged in a transformative project that aims to connect the college with the local community through art and culture. Inspired by the upcoming Lovedale 200 years celebration in 2024, this initiative serves as a valuable experiential learning opportunity for the students in their journey towards obtaining their National N Diploma.
The selection process for the participating students began with the lecturers reaching out to those who had successfully completed their N6 qualifications. The volunteers were then chosen to embark on this remarkable endeavor.
Over the course of two months, the students will be based at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, where they will engage themselves in painting and various artistic activities. The aim is to create a visually captivating environment that not only beautifies the hospital, but also uplifts the spirits of the patients and staff.
The selection of Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital as the project's initial location was not by chance. "Friends of Mthatha Cochlear Implant," an NGO dedicated to supporting the hospital's Cochlear Implant unit, approached Lovedale's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Unit. They sought assistance in fostering ideas and skills for their unit. The WIL Unit promptly shared the opportunity with the Art and Design programme, who truly embraced the project. Led by the WIL Unit and the Art & Design department, the project aims to enrich the lives of both the learners and the hospital community.
This extraordinary collaboration between Lovedale TVET College, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, and "Friends of Mthatha Cochlear Implant" exemplifies the power of partnerships and the ability of art to create positive change within communities. As the students pour their creativity onto canvas, they also forge connections and make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. This project truly represents the essence of education as a force for transformation and celebrates the rich heritage of Lovedale College as it looks forward to its momentous 200th anniversary in 2024.
NB: Click the pictures on the right to expand.
