Javett-UP takes arts education to deserving children through Bokamoso Holiday Art Programme

“Judging from the artworks they created, I think this gives them some healing as well. It made them open up about some issues through art,” said Pinky Mothibi, founder of Give Them Hope Care Centre in Nellmapius, east of Pretoria. She was reflecting on the impact of Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria’s (Javett-UP) Bokamoso Holiday Art Programme, which concluded with a visit to the care centre on Friday, 2 October 2026.

The spring edition of Bokamoso welcomed children from two Pretoria-based organisations, Kingdom Life Child & Youth Centre in Saulsville and Give Them Hope Care Centre in Nellmapius, during the September school holidays. The programme supports Javett-UP’s commitment to expanding access to arts education and creating opportunities for young people to explore their creativity through art. It was made possible through the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a funding programme by the High Commission of Canada in South Africa.

On the final day of the week-long programme, Javett-UP brought the activities to Give Them Hope Care Centre, where the children completed creative projects they had started during the week. These included paintings, cameras designed to capture South African memories, and vinyl record covers featuring lyrics created from cardboard. The activities encouraged the children to experiment with different materials, express their ideas and develop their creative skills.

For programme facilitator XXX, one of the most memorable aspects of the experience was witnessing the children's determination to complete their projects. “Some of them, even when they were having challenges, they still tried again. Even when they didn't understand it, they asked for help. We explained, then they were able to finish it off themselves,” he said.

For Mothibi, the programme offered the children more than an opportunity to make art. It created a space for them to express themselves, build confidence and engage with experiences they might not always have the opportunity to explore.

Give Them Hope Care Centre's own story is rooted in Mothibi's commitment to supporting vulnerable children in her community. Established in 2009, the centre began when Mothibi, then a businesswoman running a tavern, took in three children whose mother was ill. At the time, the children faced rejection because of the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. “We were burying people almost every day because of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, and our people were not aware of it. They feared the disease the same way they feared COVID-19,” she recalled.

Although her business provided an income, Mothibi found herself increasingly concerned about the children's circumstances and the lack of support available to them. She eventually made the difficult decision to close the tavern and dedicate herself to their care.

“After taking in the kids, as much as I was making money from the tavern, I had sleepless nights about them. I had to decide between keeping the kids and closing the tavern, which was making money,” she explained. “With my experience, I became touched because there was no one available to help the kids. I then decided to close the tavern and look after the kids, nurturing them.”

Today, Give Them Hope Care Centre provides a safe haven for 60 children from different backgrounds, including orphans, children living with their grandparents, children from child-headed households and those with absent parents. The centre also supports children's access to education and skills development, helping them work towards greater independence.

Reflecting on the centre's impact, Mothibi proudly shared the achievements of some of the young people who have grown up under its care. Among them is a former resident who is now a sound engineer, alongside others who have pursued careers as a paramedic, nurse, plumber and nail technician. Several more are continuing their studies in fields including auditing, biotechnology, administration, education, mechanical engineering and beauty therapy. “If all goes well according to God's plans, we will have four graduates next year,” she said.

Mothibi hopes that initiatives such as Bokamoso will continue to create opportunities for the children to learn, explore and experience the world beyond their immediate circumstances. “We are asking for more projects for them because they make them happy. We need more outings. Taking the kids out helps refresh their minds,” she said, encouraging members of the community to support the centre through donations and by spending time with the children.

Through Bokamoso, Javett-UP continues to create opportunities for young people to engage with art, discover new ways of expressing themselves and participate in cultural experiences. By extending the programme beyond the gallery and into community spaces, the Art Centre reinforces the importance of making arts education accessible to children from diverse backgrounds. The next Holiday Art Programme will take place 14- 18 December 2026.