GEORGE NEWS - Art works of learners of Carpe Diem will be used to create a year calendar that will be distributed by the National Asthma Education Programme (Naep) to create more awareness around asthma and the treatment of the condition.
An art competition, in which all the learners of Carpe Diem School participated, was held and the works of the winners will be used for the calendar.
The learners had to create artworks along the theme of World Asthma Day, ‘Make inhaled treatments accessible for all!’ The competition judges, local artists Anthony Noble and Ian Visser, handed over the prizes to the winners at a prize-giving at the school on World Asthma Day on Tuesday.
Dr Corli Lodder from the Allergy and Asthma Clinic in George gave an informative talk on asthma, focusing on the correct use of asthma pumps, which enable sufferers to live normal lives.
She said asthma and other allergic conditions are increasing due to pollution and chemicals in some commonly used household products.
Children who are birthed naturally, whose use of antibiotics is very limited or zero, and whose parents do not smoke, are less likely to suffer from allergies.the school will be issuing a calendar showcasing the winning artworks.
According to a Naep media statement, South Africa is ranked 45th globally in asthma-related deaths. Studies show that only 31.5% of children with asthma have well-controlled symptoms, while more than 50% of diagnosed children exhibit severe symptoms despite medical recognition.
Naep is pushing for improved asthma management and advocates the use of inhaled corticosteroid-containing medications (controllers) to prevent attacks.
Marli Marx, overall senior winner, with her parents Maryke and AJ Menkveld. Photos: Alida de Beer
Learners' creativity
Carpe Diem principal, Elzeth Grobler, said they were amazed at the learners’ creativity and abilities.
The category winners were Luan Arpin (colouring), Skyler-Kay van Rooyen (tear and paste), Mia Bakkes (sketch and paint - outlines drawn), Uyathandwa Booysen (finger-painting), Augustine Bianchina (sketch and paint independently - juniors) and Marli Marx (paint independently - seniors). Marli was the overall senior winner of the competition and Augustine the overall junior winner.
For more information on asthma-related issued, visit www.asthmasa.org.
The Carpe Diem Marimba band performing during the prize-giving.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
