Various Projects
MISSION
The dARTling foundation is a Netherlands based initiative, committed to promote art education for the youth of Darling since 2016. Based on the needs of the community, they use their expertise in the field of arts, education and youth work.
VISION
The dARTling foundation believes that self-development and creativity should be accessible for everybody, because it improves personal and communal wellbeing. After years of realizing art projects and doing research, it became clear to the dARTling foundation that the community of Darling needs a safe creative space where youngsters can come together. A place where they can express and develop themselves safely through art (dance, music, theatre and/or visual arts).
The goal of the project is to realize this place (art studio) in collaboration with local organizations such as The Darling Trust and Darling Outreach Foundation. Through these collaborations and the involvement and coaching of community role models, the dARTling foundation focuses on sustainability and local ownership. In time, the studio will become a self-steering project in which art education will take place throughout the year.
Food Parcels
Monthly nutritious food parcels are made up for nominated families in need thus ensuring that health and care are sustainable and monitored for a fixed period rather than reaching a large number of families for a shorter time.
We work closely with the local clinic to ensure fair distribution. Volunteer Peta Flaatten sees towards purchasing of the food parcels and distribution to the families.
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
The Darling Trust supports the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy who provide drama classes in Darling.
The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy is the only organisation of its kind in Africa. It was originally founded in 1979 in Australia, when Helen O’Grady, a trained teacher, drama teacher and actress, hired a hall and commenced affordable after school drama classes for young people from 5-18 years of age.
Her aims provide a self-development drama programme encouraging:
- Enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life
- Ongoing confidence
- Self esteem
- Skill in verbal communication & collaboration
- Effective social interaction
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Performance skills
Her legacy continues and the Helen O’Grady Drama System has now become the largest worldwide drama school of its kind. With an extensive curriculum, dynamic teachers and easily accessible venues, this is a truly community-based organisation, with a strong emphasis on the care of all its students.
(the above as taken from www.dramaafrica.com)
Talent Creation
This program is targeted at the Darling Youth as a ‘life skills’ programme, creating a platform to provide the youth with energetic and positive activity, building confidence, harnessing and developing hidden talents.
This is an informal platform for all to showcase their talents through a talent show. The evening always draws a theatre full of enthusiastic friends and family. A very special part of the talent show is that it brings together members of the community who otherwise would not have spent time together.
The Program includes:
- Holiday programmes where art programmes and creative writing workshops are key;
- Collaboration on Lifeskills programmes for youth and other workshops;
- Live Performance Collaboration as well as Music Mentorship / Life Skills Workshops with Darling youth participants.
