Foundation empowers IDPs with creativity, skills in FCT Community
Art in Heart Gallery Limited has taken its passion for creativity to over 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in New Kuchingoro, Abuja, with the aim of inspiring hope and transformation through art and crafts. National Coordinator and Creative Director of Art in Heart Gallery, Evans Ewe Chinedum, speaking during a special outreach event in Abuja […]
Art in Heart Gallery Limited has taken its passion for creativity to over 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in New Kuchingoro, Abuja, with the aim of inspiring hope and transformation through art and crafts.
National Coordinator and Creative Director of Art in Heart Gallery, Evans Ewe Chinedum, speaking during a special outreach event in Abuja over the weekend, emphasized the power of art not just as a form of expression, but as a tool for healing, empowerment, and resilience. He noted that art can help IDPs move beyond mere survival to a life where they can truly thrive.
Chinedum stated that despite the challenging conditions faced by IDPs, there is potential for greatness among them. The skills empowerment initiative, he said, is designed to connect them to their creative essence and enable them to produce art and crafts that will be beneficial within and beyond their community.
He further explained that the choice of the IDP camp aligns with the goal of facilitating healing from trauma and social discrimination, using art as a medium for healing and spiritual growth.
“If you look at their buildings, most of them are designed just for survival. So we specifically chose this IDP camp because the core value of Art in Heart is to use art as a healing tool and creativity to transform.
“We chose here because they’ve suffered societal hits due to the circumstances that displaced them. We believe that with the creative knowledge they now have, they will be able to make a positive and beneficial impact,” he added.
Corroborating this, the Community Manager of Art in Heart Gallery, Kwaghe Stephanie, noted that beyond teaching various art and craft skills, the initiative also encourages IDPs to view these skills as potential business ventures emphasizing that art can be a form of livelihood, even in the face of adversity.
“We are trying to introduce art into the IDP experience so that when the kids come around, they get to see this aspect of creativity that isn’t just school-based.
“Art is not only for expression, it’s also a lucrative business. The tie and dye training session going on now is a hands-on example of creativity they can produce and sell,” she said.
Stephanie further noted that art is not just about creativity but a way of life. She emphasized that learning doesn’t have to be rigid but can be fun and engaging however called for partnerships to expand the scope of their empowerment efforts.
“This initiative is the first of its kind and was primarily self-sponsored. However, we are seeking partnerships with NGOs and other organizations to expand our impact. For example, we are currently collaborating with a gaming company in a philanthropic partnership. Future events will also focus on forming more of such partnerships to ensure sustainability and build on momentum,” she added.
Chief Executive Officer of JMD, Jessica David, expressed her delight at the positive responses from the IDPs and promised to donate books and dictionaries to support their learning process.
A staff member of the IDP camp, Tahir Ali, praised the initiative by Art in Heart Gallery and expressed optimism that the skills acquired would lead to a brighter future for the participants.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Sunday Emmanuel expressed his gratitude for the training and pledged to make the best use of the knowledge gained.
Skills taught during the program included face painting, tie and dye, necklace making using beads, wood, and threads, batik and clothing production, as well as chess to enhance cognitive development and mental capacity.