Generating the Future by Healing the Past: Sowetan AIDS Orphans Direct their Lives through Dance, Drama, Art and Music

By:
Michelle Friedman
To add a paper, Login.

Rena le Lona caters for 70 children between the ages of 5 and 16. Via the Arts the children express their lives, heal their past as far as possible and begin to direct the lives they want in the future. A further component of their long-term healing is that of relationship: with their deceased parents, their present teachers, artists, friends and staff at the centre. The presentation will cover how the children are being released from the stigma of 'orphan'; how their determination and courage assist them in balancing their roles of child/adult/parent and their situation at school, at 'home', in the township and at the centre. Some children will be present and open to sharing their stories where appropriate. A drum and drama presentation will be offered. We will conclude with reflections on the strengths and difficulties which still face the children and the staff.


Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Vulnerable Children, Education and Creativity, Healing and Growth
Stream: Creative Arts and Learning
Presentation Type: 60 minute Workshop Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Michelle Friedman

Director and Co-founder, Rena le Lona Creative Centre for Children
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

I have been involved in theatre, teaching, training and development for the past 30 years. I taught as a Catholic sister for ten years and returned to my Jewish roots in my forties. In 2001 my book, "My life, your life: Steps to heal the heart" was published. Itis a self-help book enabling the reader to become writer. In 2005 I graduated with a Masters in Adult Education. The field of study was diversity within the corporate environment. Rena le Lona began in 2005. It is an accumulation of all the work I have done over three continents. Its emphasis is on personal and spiritual growth and healing combined with education. It has been supported by MAC cosmetics and a wide range of interested individuals. One major facet is the Ingelosi feature which enables people to support a particular child monthly.

Ref: L07P0331