You would have noticed that TLASA’s logo contains two strings of beads, a mixture of wooden and paper beads. People often ask us why we chose to add these beads into the logo. There are two reasons. Firstly, we wanted to give TLASA a new identity when it started out as being a multi-stakeholder organisation without changing the known logo too much. Therefore we just exchanged the lines for beads and changed the colour of the writing. Secondly, beads have a symbolic meaning that we would like as part of the TLASA identity. Let us explain the significance.
- Beads are unique. Even two beads made from the same page in a magazine would not be identical. It all depends on the process of bead-making, what it has gone through to be what it is.
- Beads are made from different materials. Some are wooden, others are made from paper or glass. They all have different origins. Yet they all are beads and they all are beautiful and valuable.
- In the same way as the beads, we all have unique skills and experiences, things that only we can bring to the table. When we come together, in organisations such as TLASA, we form something that is bigger than ourselves. We take on a new identity and together we are capable of more than we were as individuals.
- Toy libraries in South Africa aim to stimulate children’s development or maintain the skills of older people. We often use beads and threading in our play sessions to work on fine motor skills.
- Just like beads and jewellery, toy libraries and the resources we offer beautify our communities.
- Beads were initially used for trading, which comprises of a give and take. In the same way, TLASA offers its members the opportunities to exchange skills and knowledge as well as to network with peers.
- It is said that language developed because of the use of beads during trading. Toy libraries enhance language by offering books and literacy resources to their beneficiaries.
- Paper and wooden beads specifically are known as sustainable sources, and as TLASA we would like our impact on South African Toy Libraries and society as a whole to be sustainable and long-lasting.