Narrative 4, commonly known globally as N4, is a global network of educators, students and artists who use art and storytelling to build empathy between students while equipping them to improve their communities and the world.

N5, which is headquartered in New York, began its Africa operations in May 2020 in Nigeria, and has since expanded into numerous cities in same Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and of course in South Africa. 

In Nkandla, N4 has set up an Arts and Education Community center. The center, fondly referred to, as Trash to Treasure, began as a recycling operation that traded trash for groceries for residents of the community, has expanded to include after-school care for students in the community, skills and craft acquisition workshops, as well as lessons in recycling, upcycling and mentorship programs.

Speaking on the project, N4 Africa's Programs Associate, Zukiswa Allah says "The reception of this program over the past year or thereabouts has been immense. It's a dream come true that we are able to play our own quota in making something good come out of here, as well as tell positive stories about our community, and we are grateful to see how far this has gone. I'm from here, this is my home, and I'm grateful to Narrative 4 for helping make this a reality."

The Arts and Education center is one N4 hopes to replicate around the country as well as globally. More information about the organization can be found at narrative4.com.

Images: Supplied