PAINT WITH PURPOSE

The founders of Rebuild For Change, Faadiela and Tahierah Ryklief, bring over 15 years of combined experience working with underprivileged communities in South Africa. During their time in the non-profit sector, they collaborated closely with practitioners, school principals, and educational forums, where they uncovered significant shortcomings within the education system. The main issues they identified were the need for operational support to enhance the quality of learning and the urgent demand for training to tackle the social-emotional challenges stemming from poverty. These obstacles inspired Faadiela and Tahierah to create a nonprofit organization that leverages art, sports, and recreational activities to steer young children and youth away from risky behaviors, violence, and poverty in their communities. The central vision of Rebuild For Change reflects their commitment to uplifting and empowering individuals in these communities while working to break the cycle of poverty. 

In many disadvantaged communities, Early Childhood Development (ECD) facilities frequently lack the vital resources needed for children to participate in creative play, which is essential for their emotional growth. Creative play allows children to comprehend and express their feelings through various artistic activities. Unfortunately, countless young minds are deprived of access to these creative tools, limiting their exposure to enriching educational experiences. The communities we support often do not offer recreational opportunities or spaces for children and youth to engage in stimulating activities beyond the traditional classroom environment. ECD facilities and schools in these regions typically have very few resources to provide activities in art, dance, sports, or music. The positive impact of these activities on children's and youth's academic, social, and emotional development is well established, promoting emotional regulation and character growth. The lack of such activities in educational settings hinders children's ability to improve their communication and language skills, emotional expression, self-awareness, and critical thinking. Many practitioners in lower-income facilities recognize that the limited availability of art in their programs is due to the poor quality of artistic supplies, which stifles their ability to create unique art activities. These tools are often excluded from their national qualification framework training.

Incorporating music and art into creative activities can greatly enhance a child's experience, providing a comprehensive way to express emotions. By listening to music while painting, children can connect more deeply with their feelings. Practitioners who blend techniques from both fields can tap into the expressive power of music and art, promoting emotional well-being, self-expression, and personal growth. Instrumental music is particularly effective for improving concentration and creating a calm classroom environment. Studies show that melodic sounds can alleviate anxiety and boost cognitive performance in children's activities. Additionally, this integration encourages children to be more deliberate, aiding in self-reflection and the expression of their thoughts. As they engage with different rhythms and melodies, children may be inspired to choose various colors, brushstrokes, or shapes, resulting in original and personal artistic creations. This approach not only fosters their creativity but also aids in developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Furthermore, combining music and art can be especially helpful for children who face challenges with verbal communication. Educators and caregivers can enhance this experience by prompting discussions about the artwork and music, guiding children to articulate their feelings and thoughts related to their creations.

Through our engagement with Early Childhood Development (ECD) facilities and forums, we discovered a significant need for more creative activities in their classrooms. Many ECD centers in the underprivileged communities we assist struggle to access a wide range of classroom resources. A survey conducted with the Heideveld ECD forum in Cape Town revealed that 70% of respondents reported having minimal to no resources available.

To create a more enriched learning experience, exploration through various learning mediums and tools is essential. Our project effectively showcased how common, everyday materials could be transformed into instruments for art activities. We amplified our impact by blending art with music, guiding children on a transformative journey of emotional growth and self-expression.

During our sessions, children aged 2 to 6 displayed increased concentration and maintained engagement throughout the entire hour. This highlighted the effectiveness of pairing diverse musical stimuli—ranging from gentle classical to upbeat pop—with art activities, thereby enhancing retention and promoting cognitive development.

Feedback from practitioners indicated that they acquired new strategies for integrating art into their teaching approaches. They also recognized the potential of using music to foster a calmer classroom environment, which supports improved concentration among learners. Throughout our sessions, children were encouraged to listen to the music and express themselves through both sound and their artwork.

The result was a joyful display of smiles, excitement, and enthusiasm from all participants!

We aim to improve our Paint with Purpose initiative and extend our support to additional communities in South Africa grappling with socio-economic difficulties. So far, our Paint with Purpose project has positively affected more than 300 beneficiaries. These beneficiaries encompass children, early childhood development facility owners, and teachers. By providing vibrant, safe, and stimulating environments, we hope to foster a sense of pride and belonging.

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