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Youth-on-youth mentoring produces results for Thuthuka

9 Oct 2013

The Thuthuka Jewellery Development Project is about youth empowerment in the sector. This year, a new development is the introduction of young graduates as mentors to younger student jewellers.

"While creative professionals mentored aspirant jewellery designers on this project in the past, we have launched new innovative project this year, with the full endorsement of our partnering sponsor, The Department of Arts and Culture.

"Postgraduate students have been matched with community jewellery students to provide them with hands-on teaching and mentorship from their peers.

"In addition, most of the young mentors have been through, and won, a Thuthuka Award in previous years so they are fully acquainted with the rigorous standards required to get the participants up to the required entry level," said Carola Ross, director and founder of the Thuthuka Jewellery Development Programme.

"These 'twinnings' have begun a whole new era for the Thuthuka Jewellery Development Programme, qualified youths assisting in the development of other youths who are not yet qualified. The young mentors have been keen and enthusiastic about upskilling their undergraduate peers. The mentoring sessions have been intensely focussed, inspiring and relaxed for everyone involved. The feedback has been so positive and we are encouraged to continue the teamwork in the future."

Taught to think critically and analytically

The Thuthuka programme empowers students, teaches them how to think critically and analytically, and, most importantly, encourages a competitive spirit, which is essential for survival in the commercial world. Since 2008, Thuthuka's design mentorship programme has been nurturing and growing new talent. Students from community jewellery schools and universities across the country are given the chance to explore and express their creativity under the guidance of mentors. They then compete in the annual Thuthuka Jewellery & Tableware Awards.

Youth Peer Mentors for 2013 are:

Nikiwe Mathebula: graduate and past Thuthuka category winner, University of Johannesburg. Mentor to Atteridgeville Jewellery Project;

Koketso Mohala: Atteridgeville Jewellery Project Graduate and Thuthuka facilitator;

Cailin Els: University of Johannesburg graduate and lecturer. Mentor Ekurhuleni Jewellery School;

Taryn Coleman: graduate from Durban University of Technology. Velobala Jewellery Project Mentor and Thuthuka facilitator;

Bongi Tshabala: jewellery designer, graduate of Durban University of Technology. Velobala Jewellery Project Mentor And Thuthuka facilitator;

Siphelele Manqele: past recipient of a highly commended award of the Thuthuka Jewellery Awards, trainer at the Seda Limpopo Jewellery Incubator and active as a mentor on behalf of the Thuthuka Awards process;

Argyris Papageorgiou: 2009 Thuthuka winner, UJ graduate. Young mentor on an advisory level to Limpopo/Siphelele Manqele; and

Lincoln Mokoena: 2012 Thuthuka Jewellery Award Winner for Excellence. He is a strong support for the Thuthuka mentees when their mentors are not on site. Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project.

Every year the participants are given a theme to work to. The African Bead Transfigured was this year's theme. Students had to interpret the traditional African bead in a contemporary way. The students are also required to take some design elements from the bead and translate them into another piece: First Years, a ring; Second Years, a set of earrings; and Third Years, a neck piece. Finally, the bead concept had to be transformed into a miniature bud vase. The African Bead has had a strong cultural connection with the continent for centuries.

The International Jewellery London Exhibition

Another exciting 2013 first, Thuthuka went to the International Jewellery London (IJL) Exhibition in Earl's Court, London recently. IJL showcases all aspects of the jewellery industry and host the UK's most sophisticated jewellery show. As the UK's premier jewellery trade exhibition, IJL is the perfect place to discover the latest trends, source new and exciting products, network and attend the industry's leading seminar programme. Exhibitors and buyers come from all over the world.

Funding awarded to Carola Ross & Associates (CR&A) by the Department of Trade and Industry made it possible for Thuthuka to take some jewellery pieces to IJL. "Carola Ross & Associates represent young up-and-coming jewellers and creates platforms for exposure to a local and International audience.

Some of the pieces taken to IJL were by students who have been participants in the Thuthuka Jewellery Development Programme and Thuthuka Awards," said Ross. Dr Judy Peter, HOD of jewellery and design at the University of Johannesburg represented Carola Ross & Associates at the International Jewellery London exhibition.