The sound of music and colourful creativity is
emerging from countless kids in rural KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, courtesy of successful
fashion collaboration between Mr Price, the RedCap Foundation and leading
British fashion designer Henry Holland.
Holland first touched down on South African shores
in 2012 for his original Mr Price fashion collaboration, returning the
following year for the launch of a range of limited edition dresses inspired by
some of the world’s most stylish celebrities. Among the celebrity muses was
international “it” girl Pixie Geldof, who joined Holland on his tour to South
Africa and the RedCap Foundation Schools in KwaDukuza in November 2013.
Funds raised from both Mr Price fashion projects
has raised over a million rand in the last two years. This has been channeled through
the Iciko Arts programme into five RedCap Foundation Primary Schools,
namely: Aldinvile, Zilungisele, St Christopher, Kearsney and Nyakana. As
arts, drama, dance and music is not a high priority in most low income
community schools, the Iciko programme creates a space that allows the talented
children the freedom to ignite their creative flare.
Iciko educators have witnessed firsthand how the
eager learners have benefitted from the classroom upgrades. The inspired
surroundings have sparked their creativity and the learners love being able to
use the colourful art classrooms outside of their normal school classrooms. The
extra space and much needed creative materials have also helped them to
understand and appreciate art more.
Marc Eslick, the RedCap Foundation Manager, highlighted
the significance of the time and effort that Holland generously invested into
the Iciko Arts Programme. “Beyond Henry visiting us and giving us his valuable
time, the sale of his dresses through Mr Price stores contributed towards the
expansion of the Iciko Arts Programme, allowing many more learners to
experience the joy of arts in their schools.”
Sikhumbuzo Khumalo,
principal of Zilungisele School in KwaDukuza, has commented on how Henry’s
involvement with the RedCap Foundation has changed the school for the better.
“I’m running short of appropriate words to extend
my thanks to Henry Holland. His involvement with the RedCap Foundation has
changed the school completely.”
Everyone is a winner in this tailor-made collaboration
where fashion and philanthropy have joined hands to inspire tomorrow’s heroes.
The RedCap Foundation works in the South African
youth space with three focus areas - unemployment, health and education. To
read more inspiring stories from the RedCap Foundation visit www.redcapfoundation.org
From
The Desk of: Meagan-Rae
Gafney | Junior Online Fashion Editor | mgafney@mrp.com
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