Art programme to help orphans

In support of ‘The UAE initiative for connection with orphans and minors' launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to support children without families, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE, on Tuesday launched the Selah art programme, which will capitalise on the therapeutic effect of art to help orphans 'connect' with their creative spirits.

The year-long Selah art programme, which will comprise a series of fun, inspirational and therapeutic art workshops for children between ages 4  and 16 years, will be led by Emirati volunteer artists to encourage developing their art education skills and enriching volunteerism spirit in them.

The programme will be organised by the Cultural Office of Sheikha Manal.

Sheikha Manal expressed her appreciation for the noble initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed that not only improves the lives of vulnerable children but also sends an invaluable message that they are also an important segment of society. She emphasised the main objective of Selah art programme is to contribute to this positive social movement, in recognition of its objectives, which is to entrench the principles of compassion, unity and harmony among all segments of society.

She added, "By following the example set by our wise leadership, today our country is a world leader in the field of humanitarian and charitable work, made possible through the impressive philanthropic campaigns that run all year round. At the same time, at the heart of this achievement lies the ongoing tradition Sheikh Mohammed to launch social and charity initiatives during Ramadan, reflecting the holy month’s spirit of generous giving. It is truly heartening to witness the enthusiastic participation of so many individuals or institutions to contribute to these initiatives as a testament to the philanthropic disposition of UAE nationals, and their keenness to contribute to the advancement of their communities. "

This Selah art programme reaffirms Sheikha Manal’s steadfast belief in the crucial role of arts in the full and all-sided development of children. Numerous studies have shown the links between arts-based learning and human development. Past studies have linked arts participation to cognitive growth and academic skills, including the strengthening creative thinking skills. Expressive arts therapy, including painting, has been linked to positive social outcomes, including overall engagement in school, and increased community engagement and pro-social activities.

With greater focus to be put on the art of drawing, Sheikha Manal said drawing and painting is one of the important ways in which the child develops the capacity to appreciate the visual aesthetics and hones their ability to express themselves. Founded on the understanding that while the basic needs of orphan children for healthcare, education, clothing, food, and shelter maybe be met - the children survive but few thrive. Selah aims to make a difference to children’s lives through expressive art therapy, thereby, facilitating emotional and creative expression to help heal psychological wounds, and accelerate developmental growth. The programme will give children an opportunity to grow and develop self-awareness through self-expression by connecting to their work and become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and core beliefs.

She said, "Drawings have the ability to reveal the innermost thoughts of a child and are a means of communicating ideas, feelings, and solutions in a way other than verbally or written. Moreover, their artworks hold special importance as a means of educational effective through which mental growth monitoring for the child as well as follow-up psychological condition and that emerges directly in the graphics and forms of the children's art, and enable those in charge of their education to address their developmental needs effectively, and ensure they grow up into well-rounded adults who are invaluable members of their community."

Selah art program will conduct monthly workshops in orphanages located across the UAE to ensure the achievement of the programmes desired objective to benefit orphans and minors in all seven emirates. Among them will be workshops held in the Family Village for Orphans, which was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed as the first model village of its kind in the world. The annual programme will then culminate in an art exhibition that showcases the artwork created during the workshops, thereby furthering their sense of the value of creativity and build their self-confidence.

Sheikha Manal’s undertaking of this special cause is borne from her firm belief that all forms of humanitarian work are of the highest importance as they form the building blocks of a developing and thriving community. Truly visionary in her support of local, regional and international humanitarian causes, she holds the title of Ambassador for Dubai Cares as she worked on raising awareness among Emirati women about the Dubai Cares initiative, and led a campaign to help under-educated girls “break the barriers of ignorance and darkness of illiteracy” and achieve their right to knowledge.

Similarly, in 2013 The Al Manal Initiative was established by Sheikha Manal to activate humanitarian work locally and regionally, and to entrench the UAE's values that enhance the importance of humanitarian work. Every year, the Al Manal Initiative offer activities and programmes at local and international levels to serve different issues in society, including education, health, nutrition, child and family, as well as social and awareness programmes.

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