Artist Donna Downie and volunteers provide training in painting, crafts, pottery, paper mache, poetry, drama and life skills for approximately 40 children from three local schools on the premises behind imibala during weekdays.

While Donna feeds their souls, the shop provides hot meals and refreshments for the pupils (and for some, the only opportunity of a hot shower) and purchases all the art supplies and other necessary materials.

For some, the classes are an opportunity to shine, for others, a chance to escape.

But for all, the means to a better life.

Below are some samples of the beauty of these childrens' artwork, the blessing and the hope of youth: (click on the pictures to enlarge them)