A SAD ANNIVERSARY

"Light of Peace will End All Wars" - Children aged 6-9 years

“When I say that terrorism is war against civilisation, I may be met by the objection that terrorists are often idealists pursuing worthy ultimate aims – national or regional independence, and so forth. I do not accept this argument. I cannot agree that a terrorist can ever be an idealist, or that the objects sought can ever justify terrorism. The impact of terrorism, not merely on individual nations, but on humanity as a whole, is intrinsically evil, necessarily evil and wholly evil.” - Benjamin Netanyahu

9th September, 2011. Ten years after the horrific acts of terrorism in the USA. A sad anniversary, so Art Sunday today is devoted to the theme of war and peace and multicultural tolerance and is painted by Pakistani children. Pakistan like many other developing countries has a large number of children belonging to the lower socio-economic group. Children from the privileged class have art in their schools but the underprivileged children have no opportunity of experiencing the joy of painting. Funkor Childart Centre, reaches out to such children and gives them the opportunity for self-expression through art.

Funkor Child Art Centre is a part of Initiative for Rural & Sustainable Development (IRSD) a registered (Reg:RS/ICT/145,dated Islamabad 1992 Societies ACT), private non- profit , non political voluntary organisation. Funkor uses the medium of art and books to extend children’s outlook and awareness of the concepts of environment and heritage protection, human rights, equality, tolerance and peace. Funkor is committed to promoting art among children and generating healthy and creative activities for children from a broad spectrum of society.

Art and book reading is a luxury not many children can afford in Pakistan. Art activities and book reading sessions are non-existent in schools for the children from the lower income group. The majority of underprivileged children art is a luxury they cannot afford and going to libraries is a rarity. Funkor Childart Center was founded in Islamabad, in 2002  by artist and children’s writer Fauzia Minallah , to organise workshops and events for children who rarely get a chance of experiencing the joy of painting and book reading.

The paintings here are part of a mural done to foster peace, tolerance and brotherhood amongst all people around the world. If we cannot save the world, maybe our children can…

"Multicultural Harmony" by Sara 10 years, Zehra 12 years, Ayla 11 Years

"Stop War" by Children aged 9-12 years