Streetwires was founded in 2000 by five individuals who wanted to help the poor in their South African community. They saw an opportunity for change in the unique South African tradition of street wire art. Street wire art is believed to have started in the hills of Maputoland and Zululand by young boys who created elaborate toys for themselves out of discarded coat hangers, tin cans, and whatever metal they could find. This tradition of beautiful and distinctive wire art spread through South African communities. Streetwires’ mission is to create sustainable and meaningful long-term employment for many impoverished South Africans. The organization provides employment and training for over 120 artisans and also offers social services to the community.
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Computers have never been an integral part of the lives of the artisans at Streetwires but after the computer lab was built, the artisans’ lives changed for the better. They have developed computer skills to not only enrich their lives, but to help improve their street wire craft. Christoper Sandisolo, a Streetwires artisans, says, “I only started appreciating computers when I started learning how to use them after the donation. I can now check my e-mail and I have also subscribed for art and crafts articles. I’ve moved from being an ordinary man in the wire and bead industry into an upcoming craft designer.” Another Streetwires artist named Zukiswa says, "Before the donation of the Artist computers I had never used a computer in my life but after the donation of the computers I’ve decided that in the future I’d like to merge technology and creativity... I have also managed to improve my skill because I also research on the internet about wire art. I would like to express my gratitude to The World of Good for the computer donations, because they have indeed changed my life." This new computer lab opens a whole new world to the artisans and gives them the opportunity to create more art that can beautify the world.
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