Sheikha Manal launches 'Silah' art programme

In response to 'The UAE Initiative for Connection with Orphans and Minors', launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to provide support for children without families, H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, launched yesterday the 'Selah' Art Programme to help the orphans and minors.

The programme capitalise on the therapeutic effect of art to help orphans 'connect' to their creative spirits.

The year-long 'Selah' Art Programme, which will comprise of a series of fun, inspirational and therapeutic art workshops for children between the ages of 4 - 9 and 10 - 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 H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

On the occasion, Sheikha Manal expressed her appreciation for the noble initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, adding that the programme does not only improves the lives of vulnerable children, but also sends the invaluable message that they are also important segment of society. She emphasised that "the main objective of the '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 of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to launch social and charity initiatives during Ramadan, reflecting 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 that in the crucial role of the 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 that 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; The 'Selah' Art Program aims to make a difference to the 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 the 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 continued, "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."

The 'Selah' Art Programme 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 bin Rashid 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, Al Manal initiative offers 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.
Source: WAM