Creativity. Concentration. Confidence. Kyoko Morgan is using origami to give these skills to kids in the communities of Khayelitsha and Delft. During holidays and after school, she teaches young children the art of paper folding.
Origami is an age-old Japanese tradition that Morgan has been a part of since she was little. When she moved to South Africa in 1992, she brought the practice with her. In 2009, she formed Origami for Africa as a way to impart its benefits to Cape Town’s children and adults – even teaching a course in Pollsmoor Prison. The programme has since expanded to include a branch in Gauteng. Origami helps children in many ways, improving fine motor skills as well as hand-eye co-ordination. It also allows children to become focused and mindful in the present moment.
Morgan thinks that human life is full of potential. That is why she dedicates her free time to teaching children. She is rewarded as she watches children become self-assured. She believes that origami creates a balanced society and shows people how to create something out of nothing.
