July 13, 2004
By Philippa Garson
THE daily laughter and chatter of children at Constitution Hill will be the ultimate cleanse for Johannesburg's infamous old prison, whose ghosts can finally be put to rest.
The transformation of Constitution Hill - now home to the Constitutional Court, museums, galleries and much more - has a special poignancy, given the site's grim history. The setting aside of a special place for children makes the transformation all the more poignant.
Children can now learn about their rights and responsibilities in fun and interactive ways in the Children's Room at the Old Fort. Puppet shows, storytelling, arts and crafts, and drama workshops in the two-room space give children creative opportunities to learn through play.
And the facility also gives parents and caregivers ideas to take home with them. Three different activities are provided every day, says the Children's Room co-ordinator, Germinah Nkadimeng. The activities are pitched at children aged 3 - 12. The Children's Room is not a drop-off centre, however; minders must accompany their charges.
In the centre of the main room is a metal and wood "tree of justice" that can be climbed from little staircases (specially designed for small people) at either end of the room. A beautiful felt mural lines one wall, depicting children's basic rights to love, health, nutrition and education. Much of the space is empty - awaiting children's own creations.
"The idea is that the room will grow as children come here and interact with it," says Lauren Segal, the programme director of Constitution Hill's heritage, education and tourism team.
A blackboard is on hand for children to express themselves freely. Little hooks line the trunk and branches of the tree, on which children can hang their creations or the drawings of their dreams and wishes.
The organisers are keen to target children from depressed, crime-ridden communities in the inner city, on the doorstep of Constitution Hill. The Children's Room will offer them a safe and nurturing space to play, learn and express their problems and hopes. It will also teach them some of the founding principles of democracy, such as communication and participation.
The tree of justice and the lekgotla - a traditional meeting place - offer two metaphors that underpin the Constitutional Court and the Children's Room.
Storytelling, an ideal communication tool for children, will be central to the activities. Attempts will be made to give voice to all 11 official languages, says Nkadimeng, who has a background in drama. Nkadimeng has specialised in children's theatre, has acted in several television soapies and is completing her Master's degree in arts, culture and heritage management.
Many of the activities - for example a pulley system requiring the co-operation of children who must fill buckets with toys and hoist them up the tree - illustrate the need for interaction and responsibility. "We want to show that you can't have rights without responsibilities," says Segal.
The Children's Room is a small-scale version of the Children's Museum, envisaged for the foreground of the Constitutional Court. Funding has yet to be found to realise this plan, however. In the meantime, the room will give children the opportunity to learn about human rights, justice and democracy in a stimulating and dynamic environment.
The Children's Room is open from 9am to 5pm every Monday to Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors may book in advance or may just arrive. For more information phone Germinah on 011 403 5191 or germinah@ochre.co.za.
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