OAP was founded by Jill Trappler and Sue Bailie in 2020, during South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown. Our Project was born out of a need to engage, interact and educate foster families with children and youth needing home-based activities due to the pandemic.

Over the past three years, our mentor-led art sessions have become a regular part of family life for 23 households. Using a creative approach to conversation and imaginative play we are able to provide invaluable opportunities to collaborate with others, build confidence, develop skills, problem solve and provide educational support.

OAP engages practising artists to work as art mentors within the homes on a weekly basis. The learners benefit from the exposure to image making and the mentors advance their teaching skills.

OAP currently works with foster homes that fall within our partner, Home from Home’s, cluster as well as various transition homes for youth above the age of 18.