1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Sharlotte Wilson a retired teacher who lives in Heidedal Bloemfontein.
2. What work do you do?
I am currently a housewife and keep myself busy with charity work.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I was a teacher for 25 years before I resigned.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.
I was passionate (still am) about my work because of my love for people, especially children, I like to work with them, explore with them, and teach them new things.
5. Can you tell us more about Arty Angels and what inspired you to start this NGO?
I started Arty Angels in 2017 in memory of my late daughter and husband. My goal for the Arty Angels is to empower learners to use their creativity to use it for outreach in the community and also to teach them new skills. The foundation focuses on children, youth, unemployed women, women who are victims of gender-based violence, people with disabilities, or any other person who wants to enhance their art skills.
Arty Angels reaches out to the community where they give handmade products to orphanages, Old Age Homes, patients in hospitals, and ones in need. Our main purpose is to play a major role in helping our various communities through art.
6. How do you balance your work with Arty Angels with your responsibilities as a teacher at Petunia Secondary School?
I resigned in 2018 after the passing of my daughter and husband. I am fully dedicated to the Arty Angels.
7. How has the community responded to the work that Arty Angels is doing?
The community responded positively to what we are doing, they know about the Arty Angels, on 28 October 2023, we officially launched the organization with a Creative Family fun day.
8. How many people do you employ at Arty Angels?
We started with a few learners at the school in 2017, we don’t have any employees because we can not pay them. There are no sponsorships as well, we have volunteers from the community and close friends who help with the workshops and making the products.
9. What kind of impact do you hope to make through your organization, both in memory of your loved ones and for the greater good of the community?
I want to assist children who are unable to pursue higher education or attend university, as well as those who feel that they have no prospects for the future. My goal is to uplift and inspire others, helping them to rediscover their self-belief. I hope to demonstrate that each individual possesses a unique talent and that we can use our skills to bring joy to others and express gratitude for their presence. I want the community to recognize that these individuals are not forgotten and that there will always be someone who believes in them.
10. What was it like being featured on Vrystaatbewoners? How did it feel to share your story with viewers and talk about the work you’ve done to uplift your community with Arty Angels?
That was a great experience, knowing that I could share my story. Many people phoned me thanked me, and told me that they relate to my story, I want everybody to know that each one of us has a story to tell and share it could help others.
11. How can people get involved with Arty Angels and support your mission?
They can contact me at any time or come and visit me at my home, we work from my house.
12. What’s your advice to people wanting to be involved in community work?
You have to be passionate about the people, you must have a vision and you must have a very strong supportive group. You can’t do it alone you need people who can strengthen and empower you.
13. What positive and challenging changes have you experienced since starting Arty Angels?
The help people are willing to give, support, and what it means to give, to help, and most of all to see a smile on someone’s face when you do something for them.
14. Plans for the future?
Seeking sponsorships to assist us to be sustainable. We plan to have different programs for people to explore. My vision is to see that Arty Angels will be known in the bigger South Africa and not only in Heidedal and Bloemfontein
Short Bio
I am Sharlotte Wilson, 57 years old. I’m a widow with 2 children and 2 grandchildren. I was born on the 26th of February 1967 in Upington, Northern Cape. In 1986, I married my late husband and moved to Bloemfontein, Free State. I started my profession as a teacher in 1993 at Petunia Secondary School. I resigned after 25 years in the teaching profession. I have been fully dedicated to charity work since 2018. My passion is to work with people of all ages by sharing my knowledge and skills. I love to serve people in any shape or form.
Sharlotte Wilson | 0843855747| hamish.wilson99@gmail.com
