MADaboutART
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We equip young people to lead, innovate and fight HIV in their communities through art and education
MADaboutART is a charity working to reduce the impact of HIV on children and young people through art and education
Most children around have never had an Easter egg. Deepest gratitude to Mr Gavin Varejes for changing that. Your gift of Easter eggs brought much joy to children this Easter. And to@Belinda Watts of and for your kindness and support.
27/01/2026
At MAD we see first-hand how developing literacy skills early in life makes a difference for kids by stimulating brain growth, enhancing imagination, boosting problem-solving abilities, and strengthening emotional connections.
Reading and writing, speaking and listening provide essential building blocks for future academic achievement, preventing gaps that are difficult to close later. Strong early literacy skills are linked to better school performance, increased independence, and better mental well-being in adulthood.
MAD’s print-rich environment encourages reading and writing skills through ready access to books, crayons, and paper. Reading books, singing songs, and having conversations, discussion and debate, along with creative activities like rhyming, naming objects, and playing games are daily activities for MAD young learners.
Reading and storytelling stimulate brain development, improve memory, enhance focus, and improve overall cognitive abilities. Children develop language skills, understand oral language, and connect spoken words with written letters. Reading builds empathy and helps children understand their own feelings and those of others.
A 2021 study found 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa were unable to read for meaning, indicating poor comprehension and posing a significant challenge for our nation’s future.
Deep gratitude to and all supporters who donated books, games and early learning materials to support and encourage MAD learners to learn and have fun. Thank you 💙🧡💚
22/12/2025
leaders
Time to PLAY! Celebrating achievements at school and in community this year, the MAD family kicked up their heels and played joyfully in the sun. Thanks to our long term play partner for sharing the joy this Christmas.
🎉 than.moments_
PLAY IS OUR RIGHT! More than 280 children from MADaboutART and surrounding communities came together to advocate for their Right to Play and demand town officials provide safe playing spaces where they can thrive and have fun. Some outlying communities have no play areas and in other communities play spaces are dirty, not maintained and unsupervised. Play areas are often used by adults drinking alcohol or for housing development. The children’s Call to Action was received by Executive Mayor Cllr Thando Matika who rearranged his diary to meet the children and committed to taking their needs forward to Council. ‘This is very important’ he said, ‘As future leaders you must hold us to account’. Deputy Mayor Cllr Morton Gericke, Speaker Cllr Mark Willemse and Municipal Manager Mr Lulamile Mapholoba also gave their support. These young voices were empowered to speak out through collaboration with our long term play partner whose encouragement and sponsorship enabled child advocacy to become reality.
Thank you too to all network partners and play champions supported the children in their call to action , Famtastic Family, to for bringing her blend of playful movement and to the surrounding communities of Hornlee, Keurhoek, Rheenendal, Diepwalle and Brackenhill for embracing and joining the Call.
.than.moments
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Contact the organization
Telephone
Website
Address
Sonqayi Street, Dam Se Bos South
Knysna
6304
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |