DareArts

Discipline. Action. Responsibility. Excellence. DareArts is a five-year arts education program for Canadian kids that is now making a difference for Afghan ones as well.

As one distinct part of a broad program, the Canadian kids participating in the program make greeting cards that are then sold, and the money is used to fund initiatives that help children in war-torn countries worldwide through the Centipede Children for Peace movement. One recent example of this charitable benevolence was the purchase of 1,000 schoolbags for Afghan students.

In the group's own words:

Now, as we learn of our Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan encountering more danger than in the past, our local youth are taking matters into their own hands to help both our Canadian soldiers and the children in Afghanistan. The youth are gathering up to 2,000 of their original cards and stamping messages inside – one in English to the Canadian soldiers and one in Farsi, the traditional language of the Afghan children. The message is: “We love you from Canadian children.” Our soldiers will be able to enjoy the cards first and then use them to pass along to the children in the streets of Afghan towns and villages as messages of peace.

DareArts founder, Marilyn Field, expressed, “We are so proud of our own local youth! By their creative actions, they are becoming responsible world citizens by putting their caring into affirmative action.”

Once stamped, DareArts will deliver the cards to our Canadian armed forces, led by General Rick Hillier, who will arrange for their transportation to Afghanistan. In the past, General Hillier has praised the children, “You are changing the world, one card at a time.”

Back here in the jaded and cynical western world, that sounds hokey. How much of an effect can a simple greeting card have?

See for yourself:







(Note: these images were taken by MCpl Darrell Priede, recently killed in Afghanistan)

As General Hillier, the 2007 DareArts Cultural Award Recipient said recently:

“Have faith in all your acts of outreach. Never underestimate the importance of psychological security, which provides hope - the most important element to encourage resiliency and, ultimately, rebuild nations.”

Hear, hear.