School children spread joy with art donations to cancer patients
EMOTIONAL COMFORT
Young artists of Laerskool Kenmare - Andreitte Hennop, Milea Harris, Jamie Kruger, Mieke Viljoen and Lily Morton - show their artwork and spend time with patient Charmaine Schreiber at a Krugersdorp hospital.
Image: Supplied
In a heartening initiative that merges creativity with compassion, students from Laerskool Kenmare have donated a collection of their artistic masterpieces to the cancer care unit at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital in Krugersdorp. This project is not just a reflection of their talent but also a poignant gesture of support for patients facing challenging health battles.
At the helm of this inspiring venture is Elsabe Bell, an art teacher at the school whose own experience with cancer has deeply touched her life. “My own child had cancer, and I know that the journey can be uncertain and scary at times,” she said. Driven by her personal narrative, Elsabe aimed to harness the uplifting power of art to provide emotional comfort and a sense of companionship to those undergoing treatment.
Twelve-year-old Jamie Kruger from Laerskool Kenmare presents Colleen Milford with a teddy bear during the school’s art outreach project at a hospital recently.
Image: Supplied
The young artists embraced the theme of bunnies for their artwork, with Elsabe explaining, “You can’t help but smile seeing a picture of a bunny wearing a flower crown or a big boy bunny with a brush in his mouth, as these talented young artists have portrayed them.” The playful and whimsical designs aim to bring a moment of joy and warmth to patients during their treatment.
The impact of their visit was palpable. Johanna Maduo, a patient receiving treatment, expressed her delight: “I loved the pictures, and I was very happy to see the children. It was very kind of them to think of us, and I hope they come to visit us again next year.” Similarly, Colleen Milford, a regular at the hospital for chemotherapy infusions, shared her appreciation for the sweet gesture, noting how the children’s visit brightened her day.
Laerskool Kenmare art students Johandre Ferreira and Luka Kruger, art teacher Magda Snyman, Kenmare's first princess Mieke Viljoen, and Netcare Pinehaven Hospital general manager Shalima Maharaj and Carlo Conradie at the school's outreach project where it presented artworks and teddy bears to people having cancer treatment.
Image: Supplied
Elsabe’s vision extends beyond her students, as she aspires to inspire other schools’ art departments to initiate similar outreach efforts, thereby nurturing a culture of care within the community. “Perhaps if children can contribute in some way to helping people who have difficult circumstances through their art, it would also be rewarding for them to see the difference they can make,” she says.
Shalima Maharaj, general manager of Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, praised the students for their remarkable initiative, stating, “We are honoured to have these artworks in our hospital, and we know that this gallery will be an enduring comfort and inspiration to everyone who visits for years to come.” She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Laerskool Kenmare, acknowledging not just their artistic talents but the kindness that lies at the heart of this thoughtful project.
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