Tecboe sharpens future artists
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday February 25, 2024 06:00
The initiative dubbed, ‘U r worth living’, will see over 200 children from the Old Naledi location in Gaborone trained in creative writing, drawing for animation, cartoons, caricatures, concept art, comic books and general storytelling. “We call this initiative ‘U r worth living’.
As a way to self-fund our community empowerment initiative in Old Naledi where we teach over 200 kids storytelling art for free, Tecboe has diversified art by coming up with an engaging and light-hearted service to boost team morale in the workplace through the use of caricatures.
We believe that incorporating caricature drawings of corporate executives has the capacity to bring a sense of humour and camaraderie to the workplace, fostering a positive and enjoyable atmosphere,” said Goabaone Mogwe, the project facilitator. Mogwe, who is also an artist and storyteller with a passion for community development, said they have already struck a partnership with Bank Gaborone to roll out the project. “Bank Gaborone, being a pillar of community development has through the amazing leadership of their MD, Mme Olebile Makhupe, come forward as the first corporate giant to support us in this endeavour.
They have indirectly through their support given us hope and sustainability for the ‘U r worth living’ campaign.
The bank is also looking forward to being hands-on by providing learning aids, such as provision of snacks and refreshments during some of the community sessions,” Mogwe added. Besides making an impact in the community by sowing the spirit of exploring one’s creative instincts among young people, Mogwe explained that the initiative also benefits the corporate cadre.
He said the benefits of drawing corporate executives as caricatures can boost team morale as caricatures can provide a light-hearted and entertaining way to engage employees therefore, creating a positive and enjoyable work environment. Furthermore, Mogwe explained that this also enhances team bonding, and strengthens interpersonal relationships among team members while the caricatures can also serve as a form of recognition and appreciation for the employees. “Our caricature artist, Goabaone Mogwe, works to capture the executives’ distinctive features, ensuring a personalised touch to each drawing,” he explained.
Mogwe stated that Tecboe sells this service at an affordable fee to corporates and reinvests the proceeds into developing marginalised communities. He indicated that they already have a plan in motion to take the same initiative to prisons to empower prisoners with art skills that they could use once they reintegrate into society. He said Tecboe comprises a team of experienced illustrators, designers, animators, programmers, storytellers and lovers of innovation who have the best art solutions to match your business visual needs.
“The whole idea behind our ‘U r worth living’ campaign is to give hope and a means of making a living to marginalised groups. We are calling for support from other corporate entities and promise them a changed atmosphere through laughter in the workplace,” he said.For her part, Bank Gaborone MD Makhupe said the bank remains dedicated to supporting the sustainability of local arts and culture, in line with its Thobo strategy to deepen participation in the communities in which they operate.