Mari-Lize has dedicated her time to helping residents of Solheim Retirement Home, SAVF Sonkruin Housing Scheme for the Elderly and Elandsvallei Home for the Aged, to enjoy their mornings learning about art in a social setting.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwelve years ago I buried my father. I was completely heartbroken because we shared a special bond,\u201d said Mari-Lize.<\/p>
\u201cHe was insanely creative and I got my artistic character from him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he passed away I knew I needed to do something which would help me deal with my loss, and I thought about giving back.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a school teacher at the time, Mari-Lize held special events for the elderly as a way of giving back. She continued doing what she could to brighten up their days, but she always knew there was more work to be done.<\/p>\n \u201cI have always had a soft spot for senior citizens because I often thought society was quick to forget about them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n With ample time on her hands following her resignation from a local school in December, she now has time to launch herself into community projects serving the elderly.<\/p>\n \u201cI had been teaching for 25 years, and even at the height of my career, I desired a year in which I would take a sabbatical and explore other opportunities,\u201d said Mari-Lize.<\/p>\n Without any sponsorship or partnerships, Mari-Lize provides all art supplies for her classes and leaves her fulfilled when her students stand proudly next to their creations.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we serve other people, we in turn will be served as well.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a delight to teach them and spend time with them because they are keen to learn. They complement each other\u2019s progress and help each other complete the day\u2019s tasks,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt brings me joy to see them happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Although she is just starting out, Mari-Lize has already received warm messages from the family members of the elderly she works with. They commend her for her work, and her group of students look forward to her classes.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of my students is alone in the country, with a child who lives in Ireland, and one day after our lesson I received a message from her child thanking me for spending time with her,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother man is illiterate but as soon as he held a brush, he made an exquisite painting. I was proud, art goes beyond boundaries.\u201d<\/p>\n Mari-Lize encourages residents to get involved in community projects such as art classes, sharing skills or hosting events for the elderly, to remind them that they are still an important part of our society.<\/p>\n \u201cTake time out to focus on other people, put together Mother\u2019s Day or Father\u2019s Day hampers for the elderly and you\u2019ll witness the joy in their eyes. They appreciate the little we can give\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2019\/02\/09GCNGENERALARTI_66895-520x390.jpg\")
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