It was quite a spontaneous decision to go to South Africa and do an internship as an art teacher. As I would like to become an art therapist in the future, I wanted to gain my first insights into working creatively with children and to learn from different teaching approaches.
The Children’s Art Centre in Cape Town was the perfect place for this experience, and I am very grateful that I was able to spend three weeks there.
From the very first day, the whole team welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of the team. What I found especially inspiring was that every teacher has their own unique style of teaching. Each one brings a part of their personality into the classroom, which creates a very warm and personal atmosphere.
My first week took place just after the holidays, so there were no students yet. This gave me the opportunity to be part of the preparation process and to see how each teacher gets ready for a new school year. In the second week, the children arrived for their first days back at school. We started with simple and playful exercises to welcome them and help them settle in.
Many of the children travel long distances to attend school, some coming from the Eastern Cape or even further away. Despite this, they bring so much curiosity, openness, and warmth into the classroom. This, to me, is the true beauty of working with children.
Getting to know each child is essential. Every child has their own personality, background, and talents. Understanding these differences is the real art of teaching – and also one of its greatest challenges, especially when working with more than 400 students who attend art class only once a week.
It is fascinating to see what children express through their drawings. You can learn so much about them through their creative work. Working with children is incredibly fulfilling, and I quickly grew very fond of them.
From the perspective of a future art therapist, this experience was particularly valuable. It showed me how important it is to truly listen to children, to understand them, and at the same time to guide them and set clear boundaries.
During my internship, I was able to experience a wide range of classes, from Grade 1 up to Grade 12, and to observe different teachers and teaching environments. The Children’s Art Centre is a special place where children from different schools come together through art. It offers them a creative space with professional teachers, high-quality materials, and bright, inspiring classrooms. The walls are filled with the students’ artworks, allowing them to proudly see their creations being appreciated and valued.
A Brief History of the Art Centre
The history of the Children’s Art Centre is just as inspiring as its present.
The idea was born in 1945, when George Veldsman, headmaster of St. Philips School, wanted to create a positive environment for children who were often left to the streets. Together with Sydney McKie and Ursula Strydom, he started a program where volunteer teachers offered creative activities such as painting, clay modelling, and needlework.
Around 300 children participated, using art as a way to channel their energy into something meaningful. Over the years, the centre grew and developed despite many challenges, including relocations and financial difficulties. It was supported by organizations like the Rotary Club and later recognized by the education authorities for its importance.
Since then, the centre has evolved into a well-established institution, offering art education to thousands of learners from multiple schools, as well as training programs for teachers and various outreach initiatives. Today, it continues to provide a safe and inspiring space where creativity, self-expression, and education come together.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I can say that I am incredibly grateful for this experience. The teachers and students welcomed me so warmly and shared so much knowledge with me – not only about art and teaching, but also about the culture, history, and life in South Africa.
I only wish my time there could have been longer.
Thank you to everyone who made this experience so special – I truly hope to come back one day.
