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Socceroo learns about the healing powers of art therapy with AVI volunteer

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22 June 2010
Socceroo learns about the healing powers of art therapy with AVI volunteer

A Socceroo meets Community Art Counsellors at a Johannesburg project for orphaned and vulnerable children.

Luke Wilkshire, a member of the Australian National Football Team, recently visited children attending a four week art therapy program at the Lefika La Phodiso Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Australian Volunteer International (AVI) volunteer, Kylie Madge, and Centre Director, Hayley Berman, were on hand to show Luke the ropes and introduce him to the children and their colourful talents.

The Centre was established in 1993 to address the lack of therapeutic resources in areas where children are affected by trauma and abuse, have special needs/disabilities, or are affected by social and economic deprivation. The Art Therapy Centre's vision is to provide safe spaces in which creativity, growth and psychosocial transformation can take place.

Luke Wilkshire & AVI volunteer Kylie Madge in South AfricaKylie Madge, AVI volunteer, has been working alongside local counterparts at the Lefika La Phodiso Centre for 10 months. Kylie has supported educators, care workers and artists so they can take Community Art Counselling Units to schools and communities. Kylie graduated with a Masters Degree in International Business and was working in Sydney when she realized she wanted to give something back to the community.

As the excitement from the World Cup reaches fever pitch, a visit from a Socceroo made a big impact on the youngsters. As the people of South Africa seek to reduce poverty and deal with the current impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, sport and community development are two bright beacons of hope.

Socceroo Luke Wilkshire regularly plays as a central midfielder for his club, Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Premier League. He played in the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Luke was also selected in Australia's squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

 

Luke Wilkshire painting