Contributing to the Keiskamma Community

Keiskamma Trust – Chapter 6

Posted byyayaPosted inRegular updates

Number 108: While living in Hamburg, Deb and I want to make a meaningful contribution to the community. To this end, we have both started volunteering with the Keiskamma Trust, a local NGO.

Founded in 2002, the Trust started out as an art project and is best known for two immense, embroidered artworks. The Keiskamma Altarpiece, exhibited all over the world, portrays a story of hope in the context of the AIDS crisis and poverty faced by the community. The 120-meter long Keiskamma Tapestry, created by more than 100 women and now hanging in the Parliament Buildings, tells the fascinating history of the area. The project provides employment and produces items for sale in addition to these large, commissioned artworks.

The Keiskamma Altarpiece has toured the world (taken from the Trust’s website).
The Keiskamma Tapestry in Parliament (taken from the Trust’s website).

Soon after launching, the Trust started providing healthcare services. Initially focused on treatment for HIV/AIDs patients at the height of the epidemic, this offering has broadened, making healthcare accessible to a resource-constrained community. One example is the free transport taking patients to nearby hospitals, where the travel costs would otherwise have been prohibitive for these individuals.

The Trust’s Health project works closely with the local clinic.
One of the mobile clinics used to treat patients around the village.

The Trust also runs a limited education project as well as a music academy.

The Keiskamma Music Academy offers classes in string, wind and percussion instruments, as well as vocals.

The Keiskamma Music Academy building
Limkhitha has started piano lessons (this is her friend’s piano).

The talented youth are held to high standards, being graded with Trinity College London. We listen to one of their CDs on repeat during our daily school lifts – it’s Limkhitha’s favourite!

Marimbas at the Music Academy.

I’ve recently started teaching drums to ten students, and seeing their faces light up the first time they played was special. The kit is basic, but boy is it fun to be teaching again! I’ve been invited to join their ensemble for an upcoming concert which is very exciting.

Students before their first lesson.
Teaching the basics at the first lesson.

Deb has been spending time with the leadership of the four projects to learn about their programmes. She is providing input on fundraising and strategy, and is helping them identify ways to enhance their effectiveness.

Deb outside the Education Centre before running a workshop.

With its holistic approach to tackling social, emotional, economic and medical health, the Trust is providing hope and uplifting the community. It’s wonderful to help in our own, small way.