’Plain groups come out tops
Pictured right is Roscoe Williams, Read to Rise Mitchell’s Plain programme manager, receiving an award from Cecilia Sani, library services director.
A Mitchell’s Plain literacy group took top honours and an arts foundation was nominated for its after-school programme in a provincial government department’s awards programme.
Read to Rise won the award for “substantial contribution towards the development and advancement of reading and literacy, including IT literacy” at the Western Cape government’s department of cultural affairs and sport, cultural affairs awards ceremony on Wednesday October 12.
The non-profit organisation distributes for free the Oaky book series to and holds reading sessions with pupils at schools across Mitchell’s Plain.
The books tell the story of Oaky, an acorn on a journey to grow into a big oak tree, each including his adventures, friends, challenges and aspirations (“Latest Oaky book donated to Eisleben Primary pupils”, Plainsman April 13, 2022).
Roscoe Williams, the organisation’s area programme manager, said they were grateful for nomination.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone that nominated us for this award and for the recognition,” he said.
Mark Jeneker, from Lentegeur, was nominated for his after-school arts and culture coaching excellence.
He founded the Mark Jeneker Foundation, co-ordinating a free five-week after-school art class programme at different venues across Mitchell’s Plain.
Mitchell’s Plain children are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively through painting, drawing and colouring (“Lentegeur art”, Plainsman September 14).
Mr Jeneker said he was over excited about the award.
“It shows that the government and the top people recognise the work that I’m doing in my community.
“It makes me feel good and encourages me to continue helping children through art,” he said.
MEC Anroux Marais said these awards celebrate individuals and organisations who have made a significant contribution in the sectors of arts, culture, language, libraries, archives, heritage and museums across the province.
This, the 20th annual cultural affairs awards evening themed, “Journey from darkness into light” was the first ceremony since 2019, with the others having been suspended due the national Covid-19 lockdown.