The first studio opened in South Africa earlier this year and plans are in place to reach 13 studios by the end of 2008.

“It's so important for children to have a space of their own to create in,” says Nicky Swartz, MD of TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris Cape Town.

Room 13 is fast becoming a worldwide network of studios. It started in Caol Primary School in Scotland approximately 12 years ago by a determined group of young children wanting an art room of their own. Four studios are already situated in KwaZulu-Natal, two in Mpumalanga, two in Soweto and the Free State.

The children that attend are able to discover and explore their talents at their pace and in their own space, express themselves and their creativity and discover and follow new interests. As there is no formal syllabus or specific modules followed, the children at the schools are free to determine the activities in each Room 13.

The impact Room 13 has had on school performance has increased as the children can only use the facilities if their school work is up-to-date. The children are empowered and confident. The purpose of Room 13 is to create a confident and more entrepreneurial society and to teach the children skills to help them with future employment.

Room 13 is free and open to all pupils at the school as long as they accept the values of the initiative. TBWA has recently been awarded the Business Day/BASA Award for “Best Youth Sponsorship” for supporting Room 13. Ideally, there should be a Room 13 in all schools in South Africa.

“We are really excited about having a Room 13 in Cape Town and we hope that it's the start of many more rooms to come,” commented aid Sue Stewart, creative director at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris Cape Town.

[27 Aug 2008 08:52]

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