One of the first places we visited was Constitution Hill. The site of a former jail once occupied by Nelson Mandela and Gandhi, it is now home to the Constitutional Court. The jail stands as testimony to the people who once served long sentences in deprived surroundings. It is a beacon of hope for the future, building on the spirit of the former inmates who believed there would be change.
On the site there is a children's room where young people are taught about a variety of subjects through drama, art and play. Children from poorer areas of Johannesburg, some from the surrounding townships escape the daily grind of poverty, the threat of abuse and the constant reminder of staying safe. It is a little Aladdin's cave where they are cared for by a great teacher Mombatu. It was here that Mags McMonagle worked on the theme of 'identity' with some of the children and Sinead Dowling, right, documents the trip for the photographic exhibition.
