New Poetry and Art book from Three2Six Project
The Three2Six Poetry + Art Collection
A new collection of poetry and artwork by refugee and migrant children has been launched by the Marist Three2Six Refugee Children Education Project, echoing the spirit of the current 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The Three2Six Poetry + Art Collection 2025 is intended to showcase resilience, identity, and the transformative power of education.
Dedicated to the late Helen Marx — a beloved “mother figure” at Dominican Convent School in Johannesburg, —and honouring the school’s staff for their support of displaced learners, the collection builds on the success of the project’s acclaimed 2021 anthology.
Through verse and vivid imagery, the children explore their lived experiences of displacement and the courage it takes to rebuild. “Through their art, we witness their strength to adapt, their capacity to dream, and the seeds of leadership planted in our classrooms,” said project coordinator and editor Justine Kimbala.
Highlights include “A Poem About Myself” by Zinhle, challenging prejudice with lines such as “You know my skin colour, / But you do not know my personality”, and “The Beautiful Teacher” by Ayanda, a tribute to Ms Justine: “With long hair and eyes that shine… She teaches us well.”
“Their voices call us to hope, to act, and to stand in solidarity,” said project director Mark Potterton. “This collection is a tangible sign of hope — it challenges us to forgive debts, care for creation, and walk with those in difficult situations.”
Founded in Marist schools in 2008, Three2Six has provided bridging education to more than 2,600 refugee and migrant children in Johannesburg. Operating in inner-city schools, the project works to overcome xenophobia, poverty, and documentation challenges, helping children transition into the public education system.
The project partners with organisations, including Jesuit Refugee Services, to advocate for the right to education and build safe, inclusive learning spaces.
Marist Three2Six Project can be supported through volunteering, fundraising or advocacy. “Every contribution helps rewrite a child’s story,” said Kimbala. Visit www.three2six.co.za, follow on social media, or contact for more information.
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