Kraaifontein pupils present community solutions at Design Thinking Exhibition
Kraaifontein AME Primary School pupils received certificates of completion after they showcased models of their concepts to parents, volunteers, and community members last week.
Image: Supplied.
Sixteen Kraaifontein AME Primary School pupils have come up with bright ideas to improve their communities.
The Scottsdene Youth Centre was buzzing with excitement on Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26, as Grade 6 and 7 pupils from primary school displayed models of their concepts at the third annual Light Up! Design Thinking Exhibition, hosted by NoStop non-profit organisation.
Pupils showcased their models to parents, volunteers, and community members and received certificates of completion on Thursday.
The exhibition was facilitated by Florentia Basson and Mzolisi Sigam, who are serving as NoStop’s community art facilitators.
“The project was all about how to make the streets better for the community. The participants had to draw the street and build stuff that they would change in the street by adding maybe more lights, a pedestrian crossing, a robot, or stop signs,” said Ms Basson.
This programme began at the AME Primary School in July 2023 and expanded into other surrounding areas. This year, NoStop received a grant of R100 000 from the City of Cape Town to run it.
Some of the models that Grade 6 and 7 pupils produced for the third annual Light Up! Design Thinking Exhibition, hosted by NoStop non-profit organisation in Scottsdene.
Image: Supplied
With the ongoing support of principal Douglas Oormeyer, who has consistently supported the programme, AME pupils have continued to benefit from hands-on training in problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation.
Two educators from Scottsville Primary School also attended the community workshop on Friday, September 26, and requested that it be brought to their own community in the future.
“This project has become one of NoStop’s flagship programmes because of the lasting impact it has on young people and their communities,” said Charlene Miles, the director of NoStop.
“Seeing children grow in confidence, creativity, and agency reminds us why we do this work. When young people are given the tools to design solutions, the entire community benefits.”
In addition to Scottsdene and the AME Primary School located in Eikendal, NoStop had also implemented the project in Wallacedene last year.
Communities interested in bringing this programme to their schools or youth groups are encouraged to contact Ms Miles at 064 994 8925.