SMANGA STIGMATA MDADNE and Sierra Granados with some of his street art
Throughout June and July of 2014, 24 Sierra Nevada College students participated in an annual service-learning trip to South Africa for four weeks. The excursion, organized by Mary Lewellen and Ted Morse, explored different areas of learning such as developmental politics and economics, community gardens, feeding programs, and assisting in tutoring of South African Students- all while helping install electricity to families.
Senior Sierra Granados gained much more from her South African trip than just education and community-based learning.
“I met a talented friend, Smanga, he is a hardworking artist who deserves the chance to further his art and English studies,” said Granados. “He speaks great English, is dedicated and a great artist.”
Smanga Stigmata Mdadane lives in the city of Durban, SA, a city that helped influence and cultivate his artistic talents throughout the years. The city of Durban even granted Mdadane a permit to graffiti in public locations.
“Being from a poor background, Smanga can’t afford to travel and is limited to further his education,” said Granados.
Although he is talented, Mdadane doesn’t have the opportunity to expand his talent.
“Another thing here in SA, there’s a stereotype that dark skinned people are nothing,” said Mdadane. “From an early age I was told that I’ll be nothing, no matter how much I’ll try all will fail to put my neighborhood on the radar as I tell and wish.”
Granados not only saw a friend in Mdadane, but also an opportunity to make a difference for him.
“I hope to reach a greater audience to provide Smanga with an opportunity to enroll or visit our school. I think it would reflect our school positively to bring a student over from South Africa, as an addition to our current study-abroad program,” said Granados. “Also, I don’t believe any student has gotten a full art scholarship, and with the extension of the new art building, SNC should put more of a focus into the Art Dept.”
The opportunity to bring Mdadane to SNC would not only benefit the school, but also has the potential to change someone’s entire life and future.
“I want to study at Sierra Nevada College for the fact that I want to learn, See and be exposed in international art scene, since that I have limited access in local scene because I’m from an underrated and poor community and I’m African- that’s how things are down here,” said Mdadane. “While at the same time I’m getting more than enough credit on the other side of the curtain.”
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