On Monday 18 July 2011, students from the Department Interior Design and Department of Visual Art picked up their paint brushes and made a valuable contribution to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Mandela Day initiatives.
The university celebrated Mandela day at both the Helen Joseph Hospital (adjacent to UJ Kingsway campus) and the Chris Hani Hospital (Soweto).Prior to Mandela day, the UJ Community Engagement unit identified a number of feasible community activities which included the painting of hospital wards and the crèche facility at Helen Joseph Hospital. Staff and students at the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) agreed to focus on the painting of identified rooms in the Helen Joseph Hospital Crèche. The paintwork included painting of wall surfaces as well as adding images of animated characters.
The Department of Interior Design agreed to repaint one room for Mandela Day, whilst the Department of Visual Art offered to paint animation images in selected areas of the crèche. All equipment and paint, made available during the day, was sponsored and the students were requested to make available their time and painting skills.
In addition, the Department of Interior Design considered this as an auspicious opportunity to ensure that students gain professional practical experience. The painting job required of students to include all professional aspects that relates to delivering a professional interior design service.
Two lecturers monitored their performance throughout the day to ensure that they delivered and executed the paint job to specification and on time. The students considered their contribution on Mandela Day as both a valuable experience and important contribution to the staff at the Helen Joseph Hospital Crèche.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was a great opportunity to participate in Mandela Day with fellow students and make a contribution to my community” Ashleigh Blackman, third year UJ Interior Design student.
