Mitchell’s Plain creatives are spoilt for choice at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Cape Flats campus as they unlock their talents and interests in producing audio-visual presentations in graphic design, film and audio studios.
The worldwide non-profit organisation (NGO) commonly known as the Y, is offering classes to teach digital skills to both young, old, newbies to computers and experienced tech whizzes to craft their talents at both bases – 7 Pisa Close, in Portland, and at the Rotary Club, in Camp Road Strandfontein.
Both individuals and non-profit organisation representatives can attend courses either facilitated by volunteer graphic designer Kelly-sue Nitsckie, from Portland; film and sound production with Justin Barends, from Morgens Village, managing director of The Impossible Dreams Productions, who will oversee the digital hub; and Deion Baatjies, who will oversee digital literacy.
Ms Nitsckie, formerly from Cedar High School of the Arts, said while at school she would not have thought that a girl from Mitchell’s Plain would make it in the graphic design industry.
“Now, I know I need to practice. Stay relevant and roll with the punches,” she said.
She is offering her skills and experience to teach budding graphic designers.
YMCA Cape Flats director Ricardo De Reuck said the hub would also offer a basic introduction computers and provide access to digital resources and research.
Certificates of completion would be offered to participants completing six to eight-week course to enter the work space.
“It is funded by YMCA, a partner in Sweden. This is called a power space. The whole idea is that young people come into this space where they get empowered.
“Once in the space they move to another level. They must either become self employed and get into a work space,” he said.
Mr De Reuck said he was excited to see where this programme would take people.
“The volunteers would bring their expertise and share their skills with participants.
“Yes, people with the funding can pay for their studio and recording time. Those, who cannot afford we want you to know we have the resources,“ he said.
He said the first step was to get to the Strandfontein and the Portland bases to be inspired and to learn other life skills.
“We want to change the narrative and encourage people who think they can’t and don’t have but to come see the opportunity.
“If you want to,” he said.
For more information call Justin Barends on 071 527 1874.
