On Friday, 23 November 2018, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted the 2018 ART Class Year End Function at the University’s Art Gallery. The event was aimed at celebrating women and imparting knowledge about art during the art classes where women learn different activities regarding art.
Art Class is a group of women from the communities around Thohoyandou. These women assemble to empower each other through imparting skills of art and using indigenous knowledge craft. Amongst other things, the Art Class group create different types of artistic products using their hands. These products include clothing products such as wool jerseys, scarfs, wool blankets, shoes, earrings and other items.
Mrs Eunice Madima gave a welcoming address during the year end function. She acknowledged the presence of community engagement representatives, Mrs Nakisani Nemadodzi and Dr Elelwani Ramaite-Mafadza who played a big role in the establishment of Art Class programme.
Mrs Irene Ramashia addressed the audience on the purpose of the day. She urged the women to pass the knowledge and skills they received from this programme to the upcoming generations. Mrs Ramashia expressed that these skills will motivate and enable the youth to start small businesses and make income for a living.
Senior Lecturer in the School of Human and Social Sciences, Dr Elelwani Ramaite-Mafadza gave a word of encouragement during the ART CLASS year end function. She first appreciated the organisers of the event as well as Mrs Ramashia Irene and Miss Muravha Malima who played an important role in building the foundation towards the initiative and establishment of the Art Class programme. Dr Ramaite-Mafadza urged women to partake in this kind of programmes because they are aimed at empowering them with skills to make income.
Mrs Munyadziwa Elizabeth Khomunala, a student from Art Class spoke on behalf of other Art Class students. She thanked the mentors and teachers who were doing a great job by empowering them. She explained that she didn’t even know how to hold a needle but today she can create her own jersey and blanket. She further expressed that she will impart these skills on to others, so they can be empowered.
Ms Muravha Malima from Art Gallery who was the programme director acknowledged and thanked the speakers for sharing their knowledge with other women. She further encouraged women to love and empower each other.
Group Photo of attendees during the ART CLASS Year End function.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 27 November 2018
