Tsholofelo Shounyane
ASSITEJ SA
Abstract: Girl Power Project, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and ASSITEJ SA
Violence against children, particularly adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), is a deeply entrenched issue in South Africa, intricately linked with complex social, economic, and cultural factors. ASSITEJ SA have been an implementing partner in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) project ‘GIRL POWER (against violence)’ since January 2024 which seeks to address the issues of violence against AGYW through a comprehensive, experiential arts-based approach.
ASSITEJ SA launched a series of Arts based engagements across five provinces in South Africa (KwaZulu Natal, The Free State, Limpopo and The Eastern and Western Cape) during 2024 engaging children and youth in after-school programs facilitated by ASSITEJ SA members and empowering unemployed young women through participation in arts organizations, aiming to break the cycle of gender-based violence.
After training in Gender Based Violence prevention and other relevant topics from a qualified specialist in each area, the various groups of women created a professional play to be toured to schools and young people in their districts. The plays seek to both educate and move the young people with relevant content and scenarios, as well as engage local communities, including teachers, parents, caregivers, and community leaders to respond effectively to the challenges posed by violence against AGYW.
In response to these plays, the young people in the schools and communities then created their own versions of GBV productions, which were in turn viewed by the facilitators, performers, teachers and local community forums doing work within the area to prevent violence, crime and abuse.
The ultimate goal of the project is to foster resilience, creativity, and hope among children and youth, creating a transformed community where violence is actively prevented, and human rights are acknowledged and strengthened through arts-based practise and collaboration.
The partnership with Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund continues in 2025 - 2026, with the added focus of adult male and boy child participation.
BIOGRAPHY
I am a creator:
A drama facilitator, author of a children’s book, doll-maker (and maker of other things), puppeteer, storyteller, educator and child enthusiast. Currently I work as Education Coordinator at ASSITEJ SA working in several arts education and community based programmes.
I hold a BA Drama (University of Pretoria), a PostGraduate Certificate in Education (Central University of Technology) and a Copywriting Certificate (University of Cape Town).
I am passionate about the arts, education, children and community development work.
I am also the creator of Nonki Nice Nation, a soft doll company and NGO that makes toys for young and old audiences alike and offers live storytelling with puppetry and workshops for children. Our continent and its culture is not some looming ghost from the past - these are created every day by how we live. This is how I add to the creation of Africa and its rich culture. Making our world a colourful place - one child, one doll, one story at a time.