Magic school works magic with its young students : NPR

Key Points:

• Cape Town's College of Magic is Africa's only school dedicated to teaching stage magic and related performance arts to youth aged 10 to 18, offering classes in various disciplines including juggling, illusions, and escapology.
• Founded in 1980 by David Gore during apartheid, the school was multiracial from its inception, providing a rare integrated space for young people to learn and interact despite South Africa's segregation laws.
• The school serves about 190 students every Saturday, with 80% receiving sponsorships due to financial constraints, and emphasizes creativity, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills through the art of magic.
• Eleven-year-old Lubelo Mthenjana, a standout student known as "Spade Boy," credits the College of Magic with boosting his confidence and providing a positive outlet amid the violence and challenges of his township community.
• The annual junior magic contest highlights the talents of students, with Lubelo recently winning first place in his age group, demonstrating the school's ongoing impact in nurturing young performers and fostering hope for social change.