Disaster-hit children portray woes through art

150 sketches, paintings by flood-affected children.

One hundred and fifty paintings and sketches drawn by school children from flood-affected areas are being exhibited at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, said a press release.

The exhibition “Art for Future” has been organised by a UK-based NGO Islamic Relief in collaboration with PNCA. A total of 450 entries were received for the exhibition.

Islamic Relief Founder Dr Hany El Banna, British High Commissioner Adam Thomson, UNOCHA country representative Mannoal Besler, Brig. Sajid Naeem from National Disaster Management Authority and Islamic Relief Country Director Fadlullah Wilmot attended the opening ceremony. Other people at the ceremony included civil society members, government officials and university students.

British High Commissioner Adam Thomson said that the UK Government and its donor organizations have always been on the forefront in rehabilitation processes. He said Islamic Relief is the topmost UK based organisation to cope with such calamities.

UNOCHA representative Mannoal Besler appreciated Pakistani nation’s resilience at the times of trial and distress.

Brig. Sajid Naeem from NDMA stressed the need to strengthen disaster response sand disaster risk reduction.

Banna gave away prizes to the winners and the children expressed their views along with highlighting their problems.

Islamic Relief Country Director Fadlullah Wilmot said that the 2010 was one of the largest and most complex disasters in human history covering an area the size of England, impacting 18 million people, 13 million of whom remain in need of help. He said we need to invest in our children and provide them better educational opportunities.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2011.