ARC organizes ART Exhibition to showcase talents of children in shelters

Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) is organizing an exhibition in collaboration with the Education and Training Centre for Children (ETCC) in K. Maafushi and the Correctional Training Center for Children (CTCC) in K. Feydhoofinolhu titled Aa Misraabakah: Markazthakugai dhiriulhey kudhinge hunarutha – a showcase of artwork by the children housed at these institutions in the recent past. The Shelters are home to over 60 boys from difficult backgrounds, ranging from 13- 18 years of age.

The exhibition will be inaugurated at the National Art Gallery this evening, and will be open for public viewing from 24 – 29 December 2011, from 1000 – 1600 hrs. This exhibition aims to provide a platform to showcase the talents of these children, and an avenue to convey their emotions and expressions to the viewers. ARC hopes that the exhibition would contribute towards creating a more positive image of some of the most vulnerable children in our society, and generate optimistic mindsets regarding their potential to contribute meaningfully upon successful reintegration into the community.

ARC also hopes that this exhibition will become an opportunity to attract donations to the two shelters to meet the shortages they face in funds and technical assistance, as well as create openings for prospective employers willing to provide training and/or internships that will enable the children to become gainfully employed upon their return into society.