09/02/2023
I founded Sweef Communication and Drama Studio in 1998. The studio expanded as a creative venue where children can experience themselves as competent learners. Since my early days as a drama teacher, the impact of drama on the lives of children has fascinated me. I discovered during my post-graduate studies that drama complies fully with all the parameters of neuro-educational principles. A drama lesson's creative and relaxed atmosphere creates the atmosphere for the secretion of endorphins. Drama stimulates language skills, imagination, memory, concentration, self-confidence, emotional intelligence, teamwork, resilience and a sense of aesthetics. In his book "Arts with the brain in mind", Eric Jansen states that drama scores the highest of all the arts as an intelligence booster.
I obtained my doctors' degree and have been employed since 2012 as a lecturer of Process Drama and Drama Pedagogy at the University of Pretoria. Feedback from my adult students regarding the positive influence of drama in their professional careers serves as a great inspiration. It motivated me to expand the studio's curriculum to create more space for creative growth.
The Sweef Drama team was involved with founding the Pierneef Theatre Arts Festival, a very popular festival in Pretoria. Our programme offers workshops such as How to communicate with Bullies in cooperation with Prof Cecilia Bouwer. We teach camera presentation skills and creative writing and provide the opportunity for South African children to enrol in national and international Speech and Drama courses. It serves as a foundation for students who would like to study abroad.
The richness of drama and the art of communication is the greatest gifts one can invest in children. I am a lifelong student who regards the opportunity to work with children as a great privilege.
