Kievits Kroon supports young artists

Kievits Kroon Country Estate in Pretoria has supported the Ithuta art project for some time. It is now encouraging guests to purchase items as gifts this festive season (starting at R150), and in so doing supporting the worthy charity initiative.

The Ithuta art project was started by the hotel in 2010 with the help of local artist, Zelda Susan. It teaches basic art skills to the Grade 6 and 7 pupils from an impoverished local “no fee school”, Leeuwfontein Primary, so that they can progress to painting contemporary artworks which are exhibited in Kievits Kroon’s VIP and executive rooms, as well as the spa.

All funds generated through this project go back to the school in the form of items on their “needs list”. To date, money raised has been used to purchase much needed scientific calculators, fencing, a security alarm system and a school library. The children attending this school are from informal settlements in the Nokeng Tsa Taemane area.

The Kievits Kroon Charitable Trust set up to manage this community project also supports the Academy for Canoe Development based at Roodeplaat Dam and recently donated R150 000 towards the completion of the Academy’s club facilities. The Academy enrolled over 40 children from Leeuwfontein Primary in 2009 and within 18 months produced South African champions.

When the pupils arrive at the Academy, they receive a balanced meal and a remedial teacher assists them with their homework before they go out on the water.

For more information on the Ithuta art project go to www.ithutaart.co.za.