This is Keba. She is 13 years old and regularly attends the Helping Hands afterschool Learning Centre in Top Village. Once a week we run art classes for those children who are interested and Keba is VERY interested. She is passionate about her drawings and is one of our most promising young artists. Keba comes from a household of 11 people. Her father has died and her mother finds it increasingly more difficult to give her children the attention they need. The Helping Hands Learning Centre provides a safe place for those like Keba to find an outlet for creative expression and some individual attention.

Keba does not really enjoy abstract painting. She loves portaits and landscapes. Keba's dream is to become a well renowned artist from South Africa. When we asked her about her future intentions regarding a career in art she responded by saying, "One day my pictures will be needed by lots of people around the world and I'll sell them for high prices so that I can build a house for my mother."

Keba comes to our Learning Centre every day. After having a meal and getting help with her homework, you can find her drawing on any paper she can find.

We at Helping Hands are so thrilled to have Pastor Patrick, her art teacher, on board. He joined our staff in December. He is himself a passionate artist and his art classes have become very popular with children of Top Village. In two months time, we will be starting art classes in Molelwane village and I have no doubt that they too will become a favorite activity with the children from that village.

Thank you to all our supporters. You make it possible for Patrick and his studends to explore the world of art. The Helping Hands art classes provide a medium for creative exploration. Imagine what a joy it is to have at your disposal a large selection of art supplies to freely create when previously you had only one pen and a stubby pencil for school. You, our supporters, have made the free availability of art supplies possible. Don't be surprised if one day owning a painting by Keba is a sound financial investment. To us, it already is.
 
With kind regards
Michelle Tessendorf