The hardships of Africa's child soldiers is well-documented. Showing the more hopeful side of this story, Jeremy Cowart, artist and filmmaker, has partnered with Exile International and Composite Films to document the prolific use of art therapy for former child soldiers and war-affected children in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Date:   10/10/2012 9:43:22 PM ( 12 y ago)

Janet - Painting Peace and Her Dreams

Jeremy Cowart posted an announcement 2 days ago:

"Hey everyone – We are happy to post a piece of one of our stories for you to hear and sample. This is Janet. Such a humble person and wow what a powerful leader. This is just an inspirational piece of her story and how art has impacted her. We look forward to finishing her entire story integrated with all the other interviews we did."



Painting a Future of Peace

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are said to be among the worst places in the world to be a child. Our project will show the untold story how art is changing the future of Africa.

So, What’s Happening in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo?

In this area, boys as young as 7 are kidnapped and forced to fight in rebel armies. Many are psychologically tortured and brainwashed to commit atrocities against their own families. Young girls are abducted and abused, becoming victims of rape and sexua| violence. When these children finally escape or are released, they are left with deep and lasting emotional scars from what they’ve seen and been forced to do.

What is Different about our Story?

The story of child soldiers has been told by many organizations. There are several great international aid groups working actively to end these conflicts in the African region. The damage to the future has long been done. These groups are working to stop the cycle.

Our team and our story are concerned about the next phase. The “what happens next” question. We are telling this story about how these same children are becoming powerful leaders of the future. The big difference in Africa is the substantial impact the arts have on crafting leadership of the future.

Our ongoing passion for this project will be creating a sustainable and lasting impact on the viewer thru art – composites of art – and film that will perpetuate and celebrate a form of art that empowers child survivors of war to become their country’s next leaders for peace. It’s a celebration of art.

There is no better way to create a strong future than through the use of art.

“When the children draw, dance, and sing…we see them come to life again. They begin to forget their wounds for a time.”

For more information about this art therapy project, or to contribute, go to: http://www.indiegogo.com/paintingpeace?c=home

For more information about Exile International, go to: http://www.exileinternational.org

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