A group of children from Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom visited the new Hope for the Blind centre in Modimolle on 18 October, where ophthalmology is combined with art and nature-oriented spaces to create a comprehensive support environment for patients.

The Hope for the Blind facility includes, among other things, an art exhibition inside the clinic; an approach that aims to enrich the patient environment. The group of children were introduced in particular to the First Light project, an initiative in which artworks are shown to patients at the moment when their bandages are removed after eye surgery and they can see again.

The exhibition features works by several prominent South African artists, including William Kentridge, Nelson Makamo, Mary Sibande, Willem Boshoff, Heidi Fourie and Nhlanhla Nhlapo. The children had the opportunity to view the artworks up close and to talk about their impressions of them.

A heartfelt thank you to Hope for the Blind for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful and inspiring day. We especially appreciate the contribution of Dr Stegmann, Johan Stegmann, Mikayla and the entire team who made the visit possible for our children.