Lootah opens exhibition of paintings by orphans from around the world

The exhibition, which was organised in association with the Ajman-based Human Appeal International, showcased some 60 paintings and handicrafts made by orphans in countries like Palestine, Iraq, Bosnia, Lebanon, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan and Senegal, in addition to the UAE. The exhibition will last for one week.

Lootah said the civic body's activities to mark the International Day of the Family form part of its community initiatives aimed at strengthening bonds within members of the community.

"At Dubai Municipality, we organise innovative programmes to observe such occasions in our bid to giving back to the community we operate. This exhibition would encourage orphans from around the world to express their creative skills despite the difficult situations they are undergoing," said Mr. Lootah.

Ahmed Yousuf Al Awadhi, Assistant Secretary General of the Human Appeal International, said the paintings were originally invited by the organisation for a creative contest among orphans in different countries. The winning entries included many works on the difficult circumstances these children go through on a daily basis in conflict areas.

"We have conducted this contest with the help of our offices in countries like Palestine, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, and Sudan. Response of the children was overwhelming and there were many creative minds among them," said Al Awadhi.

He noted that the organisation is currently sponsoring more than 37,700 orphans in various parts of the world with the help of many magnanimous people in the UAE. All of their needs including food, clothing, education, healthcare and other requirements are met under a comprehensive orphans care programme.

Other activities of the day included a visit by senior Dubai Municipality officials headed by Obeid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Administrative Affairs and General Services, to child Thalassemia patients in Al Wasl Hospital, visit by a group of 30 orphans to Children's City in Creekside Park, which was attended by Abdullah Raffia, Assistant Director General for Environment and Public Health Affairs, and a visit by officials from the Internal Audit Department of Dubai Municipality to child cancer patients in Al Towam Hospital in Al Ain, in addition to a short-story contest and an Ideal Mother contest for Dubai Municipality staff.