Umcebo Trust - Tree of Hopeby Carol Brown
The highly productive and enthusiastic team at the Umcebo Trust is planning a major project for December 1, 2008, International Aids Day. The team has conceptualised a 4m high hand-beaded tree which will be a symbol of hope - a reminder of how far we have come in the fight against HIV/Aids and the victories that lie ahead. They intend it to serve as a memorial to those lost as well an inspiration to all. With official sanction from the Guinness Book of World Records, this good news story will be witnessed by an international audience.
The Tree of Hope will have 10 000 individual leaves. The public will be asked to donate a leaf for R100 and each will be acknowledged through name inscriptions on a plaque that will sit at the base of the tree. The tree will be on exhibition at various venues including the Durban Art Gallery.
Robin Opperman, group leader, is an indefatigable promoter of bringing art to the cause of social issues. Even more amazing is the fact that initially these handcrafted articles were originally made by severely mentally challenged young people at the Ningizuma School. Some 15 years ago, Opperman, a Maths teacher and art lover volunteered at this school when it was in Lamontville and, before he knew it, became totally immersed in the creativity of the young people whose new project brought self-esteem and excitement into their lives.
He was soon employed as a staff member by the visionary principal, Constance Ngubane, who encouraged the programme until it became too big to be run from these premises. Opperman then formed the Umcebo Trust whose first premises were in the ArtSpace Gallery in Durban's Umbilo area. They have since outgrown that space and are now situated in uShaka Marine World where they have been given a sponsored shop/workplace by the management.
Their products are all made of beads and waste material and are owned by people such as Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Rita Marley and others.
Tel: 083 7933408
Fax: 086 6937831
Email: robin@umcebotrust.co.za
www.umcebotrust.co.za
