Art for Future

Islamic Relief showcase art work of flood-affected children

To commemorate floods one year on, Islamic Relief in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hold a function “Art for Future” at PNCA auditorium.

Painting/Art competition of school children from all across flood-affected areas of the country was arranged and 150 painting were displayed in PNCA. Art work is to showcase the ideas of flood-affected children, out of which 15 were the winners of the final competition.

Islamic Relief Founder Dr. Hany El Banna, British High Commissioner Adam Thomson, UNOCHA Head, Manual Bessler, Brig. Sajid Naeem Dy. Chairman/Member Operations NDMA and Islamic Relief Country Director Fadlullah Wilmot were the distinguished guests on the occasion. People from civil society, head of INGO, NGOs, officials from government departments and university students also attended the event.

While addressing to the event audience, British High Commissioner Adam Thomson appreciated Islamic Relief’s flood response programme across the world especially in Pakistan. He said that UK Government and its donor organizations have always been on the forefront for flood relief and rehabilitation phases and Islamic Relief is the top most UK based organization to cope with such calamities.  UNOCHA representative Mannoal Besler appreciated the resilience of Pakistani nation at the times of trial and distress. Brig. Sajid Naeem from NDMA stressed the need to strengthen disaster response sand disaster risk reduction.

Islamic Relief Country Director Fadlullah Wilmot said that Pakistan floods 2010 was one of the largest and most complex disaster in human history covering an area the size of England impacting on 18 million people 13 million of whom remained in need of help. He highlighted Islamic Relief approach and said “we are working in flood-hit areas with an integrated approach covering all basic segments of life including preparedness and disaster risk reduction”.

While talking about art work of children, he stressed the need to educate Pakistani youth as it was only solution to end poverty. He said that Pakistan is blessed country for having a huge potential and talent in her youth and there was dire need to give youth right path, direction and exposure. He said Education is the next currency and we need to educate our children and we need to give them better opportunities if we want our future bright. Umair Hassan, Head of Humanitarian Programm, PNCA visual art director Naheed Imam also spoke on the occasion. 

Islamic Relief Founder Dr. Hany El Banna gave away prizes to winner of the art competition. Children from flood-affected areas expressed their views and highlighted their problems. Participants of the event appreciated the art work of children.