The Queen

Title: Saving during lockdown

Media: Acrylics on canvas

Size: 50cm x 60cm

Emelyne, 18 years, Burundian She loves art and her parents as well.  Since she doesn’t study, she spends most of her time practising art at Youth Rescue Organisation, located in the Nakivalee refugee settlement. Ever since she left Burundi and came to Uganda, it has not been easy for her and her family, but she is grateful that art has kept her mind focused and active. She wants to become a professional artist and become good at painting. She also wants to become an art teacher to pass on her knowledge to other people. Being part of the exhibition is a great opportunity for her to show her talent. Most people think that refugees, especially girls’ can’t do anything. However, she believes that when they see her painting, this mindset will change. She hopes to gain visibility for her works and make some sales to buy materials and continue painting. She advises young girls like her to learn skills like art to help them in the future.

Title: Prevent problems early

Media: acrylics on canvas

Size: 50cm X 60cm

Bilali is 17 years, Burundian He learned art in a short period at the Youth Rescue Association. His dream is to become a professional artist and make money to support himself and his family. His parents were not supportive of him joining art. However, in a competition, he got selected, and his parents started to pay attention, and now, they encourage him to keep practising. Bilali loves art, and every time he is painting, he is telling a story. For him, art is important because he is using it to change the community where he lives. He would be practising painting every day. However, as refugees, they have no access to material in the camp. Dear fellow youths’, put effort into learning new skills because they can help any time, anywhere.

This artwork by Hossana is part of our cooperation with the Uganda School for the Deaf (USFD).

The Ugandan School for the Deaf was the first school for the Deaf in Uganda. It was established in 1959 by the Uganda Society for the Deaf at Namirembe Hill on leased land from the church of Uganda. A Government-aided Primary school brings together all categories of Deaf children, including Deaf children with multiple disabilities. The school’s primary task is to cater to the education, interests, and special needs of deaf children in Uganda.

We also know that through your support with a purposeful purchase. You will enable us to raise funds to buy more art materials, support the initiation and running of the art club at the USFD school, and establish a sustainable platform that will nurture and grow their potential in art.

If you are looking for a way to support us, we encourage you to purchase artwork. 70% goes towards the children, and 30% will be invested back into our work.