orphanages because of the same reasons that put kids in the USA in foster care: abandonment, abuse, and neglect. Sometimes one or both parents are living in extreme poverty and not able to properly feed and care for them.
We've been fortunate to participate in The Memory Project for five years now!
In 2014, my students made portraits for children in Sierra Lione. In 2013, my students created portraits for orphans in Guyana. In 2011, we made portraits for children in Indonesia. Last year, we made portraits for children in Thailand, and this year our portraits were for children in Madigascar.
To do this, the artists receive pictures of children who are waiting for portraits.
The artists then create the portraits, and The Memory Project coordinates the delivery of the portraits to the children. The goal of the project is to inspire caring and a positive sense of self.
Given that children who have been abandoned, orphaned, abused, or neglected usually have few personal keepsakes, the purpose of the portraits is to provide them with a special memory of their youth, to honor their heritage and identity, and to help them build a positive self-image.
Regarding the art students who make the portraits, this is an opportunity for them to open their hearts to children who have endured many hardships, and to promote the value of sharing kindness with others.
Since 2004, The Memory Project has created more than 80,000 portraits for children in 35 countries to help children feel valued and important! More information on The Memory Project can be found online here.
Hope you're having a wonderful and inspiring week!