996 Dreams Deferred

 

This young boy is one of many Middle East refugee children who have been served by ANERA. I have painted many of these children in the last few years for "The Innocents Project," my attempt to recognize the children  and to bring recognition to a great non-governmental organization, ANERA.  

I have seen first hand that Lebanon is a beautiful country with the nicest, most giving people in the world.  Unfortunately, she has been plagued with a weak and confusing government for many years.  In addition, the influx of Syrian and Palestinian refugees have pushed Lebanon into an economic collapse.  When you add the COVID-19 pandemic and the horrific explosion at Lebanon's main port to the mix, it is a recipe for disaster.  Many NGOs and foreign governments have come to Lebanon's aid, but there is just too much work to be done.

ANERA is an 50+ year old American organization located in Washington, D.C.  ANERA stands for American Near East Refugee Aid and I am very familiar with the great work they do in the Middle East.  They have stepped up to work with other groups in the region to provide medicines, medical supplies and PPE to the families affected by the explosion.  They are rehabilitating homes, mobilizing volunteers, distributing water and food.  As an unfortunate reminder, almost 200 lives were lost in the avoidable explosion at Lebanon's main port,  6,000 people injured and hundreds of thousands of people  displaced.  Many children have been separated from their parents or are still missing.   

ANERA believes that education is key.  They have built and rebuilt schools in refugee camps and have developed programs for youth, who have been the most underserved, exploited and marginalized age group.  Children are not able to get a good education in Lebanon, as public schools are overcrowded, violent and have a poor reputation.  Not everyone can afford private schools.   The official Lebanese school system is not open to Palestinians.  They attend schools run by the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UMRWA), which are overcrowded and underfunded.  39 percent of Palestinian  teenagers from Lebanon and 64 percent of Palestinian refugees from Syria do not complete their education.  There is so much more to report on the glooming situation, but next I will focus on the positive.

ANERA offers many practical vocational programs which provide cash to the youth employees who graduate.  Young people are taking the skills they have learned from ANERA's programs to help the people of Lebanon.  Their cooking and catering students help to prepare large quantities of food to feed many people.  Their carpentry students are helping to make repairs to homes damaged by the blast.  Other students are participating in nursing, solar installation, plumbing, electricity, and sewing courses---all practical skills which help both students and others.  They have improved water systems in refugee areas, improved electrical hazards, and many other improvements to refugee camps, which is their regular focus.  

There is so much more to write about this great organization, but you can read about them online at ANERA.org.  They are passionate people who have devoted themselves to give dignity to those who live in the worst possible living conditions.  Please consider making a donation, no matter how small, to this fine organization.

ANERA

1111 14th Street NW, #400

Washington, DC 20005

anera.org

926 Moving Forward

This painting is the 33rd of a series, The Innocents Project, which was designed to raise awareness of the good work that American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) provides to refugees in the Middle East.  I do not work for ANERA, but I strongly believe in the work they do and I support them, and I encourage you to support them too.

Despite the United States complete withdrawal of aid totaling $500M for Palestinian relief, ANERA.org finds ways to serve refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine and to restore some sense of dignity to them.  Unfortunately, with these cuts ANERA had to cut two-thirds of their valued staff in Palestine, which was very difficult to do.

The impact of the U.S. funding cuts, according to ANERA:
"57,000 people in Gaza will not have access to reliable water;
Two communities in the West Bank are without new schools; (the little girl in this painting is from the West Bank);
119,800 people lost access to vital medicines and health care;
16,000 breast cancer patients no longer have access to treatment in Gaza;
150,000 Palestinians in Gaza lost immediate food and vocational assistance'
1.3 million Palestinians are at risk of losing aid and jobs due to the funding cuts."

All of this sounds hopeless to me, but ANERA somehow comes through, and despite these funding cuts, ANERA is managing to deliver 28 shipments of medicine and supplies for Palestinian patients, they are building seven new preschools in the West Bank, improving water and sanitation for almost 28,000 residents, and are installing greenhouses on 91 Gaza farmers' land.  This and so much more.

I encourage you to read about all the good work that ANERA does.  You can read their extensive report on the funding cuts here:  https://www.anera.org/blog/on-the-ground-u-s-funding-cuts-to-palestine/?utm_source=link&utm_medium=email&utm_content=aneraenews&utm_campaign=enews-june19&s_src=aneraenews&s_subsrc=enews-june19

www.anera.org

I would love it if you would consider making a donation, and if so, please mention The Innocents Project.  Thanks for your consideration.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/926-moving-forward/747921

888. Now More Than Ever

This little girl captured my attention (and my heart) because she looks so familiar.  She looks just like I did as a child!  I wish I could locate the photo to prove it to you.  The point is this:  this little girl and the other Palestinian and Syrian refugees could be your child or grandchild or mine,  and the children deserve more than their current living conditions and fate.

In my opinion, the refugee situation in Palestine is not going to be improving any time soon.   More and more families are left homeless because of the occupation and the recent decision to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem.  Important funds have been cut by the United States that were earmarked for the Palestinians, who are living in occupation.   Organizations that provide aid, such as ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid, Washington, D.C.) are even more important to the refugees now during these times.

ANERA and its partners are determined to give some semblance of dignity to the refugees, as well as crucial medical assistance, improved water systems, education, distribution of important goods, etc.
In December 2017 alone, ANERA distributed 96,000 pairs of Tom's shoes to Palestinian and Syrian children in the Beddawi camp and in informal tented settlements of Lebanon.

Here are a few more facts about ANERA's 2017 statistics:
-ANERA distributed 50 - 40 foot containers of donated medicines;
-100,000 Palestinians were connected to reliable water sources;
-With ANERA's assistance, 8, 658 children returned to school in Lebanon alone;
-22 schools in Gaza and the West Bank were renovated
-94% of ANERA's revenue was spent on programs in Palestine and Lebanon.

The time to step up is now to provide assistance to these organizations.  I hope you will consider making a donation to ANERA in honor of The Innocents Project, my independent effort to raise awareness and funds for these precious children.  Please learn all about the services they lovingly provide at https://www.anera.org/   Thank you for your consideration.

"888  Now More Than Ever"
acrylic - 12x12 in

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/888--now-more-than-ever/647022

879 Simply Irresistible

Today is Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving when we are encouraged to donate to our favorite charities, where often our donations will be matched by a generous donor.  ANERA is one of my very favorite organizations and if you follow my blog, you know that I have been supporting them for a long time.  My "near and dear and close to my heart" project, The Innocents Project, features paintings of Syrian and Palestinian refugee children in the Middle East who are served by ANERA, including this little girl.  This is my 20th painting so far and I will continue to paint the children for as long as I am able, to raise awareness of what is needed and the good work that ANERA does.

ANERA makes a big impact, but still there is more work to do.  Here are a few facts: with assistance from ANERA 8,658 refugee youth have returned to school to learn basic skills so that they can help support their families and themselves.  2,000 preschoolers have received school supplies and reading materials.  25 communities in Gaza, and 1,000 people overall have benefitted from being connected to clean water. $49 Million worth of medicine and relief supplies have been delivered to Palestine and Lebanon.  There is much to read at ANERA's site www.anera.org   I do hope you will go to their web site and read about their good work.  I could go on an on, but you should see for yourself. I have met this wonderful family of devoted servants to the cause and am so grateful to them for their tireless efforts and the great work they do.   I hope you will consider a donation to them on this Giving Tuesday.

ANERA stands for American Near East Refugee Aid. 


"879 Simply Irresistible"
acrylic - 12x12 in

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/879-simply-irresistible/637147

871 Skilled

Joumana, a teenage refugee in Lebanon looks proud because she has just crafted a doll from a wooden spoon,  and a lovely bouquet of paper flowers in a skill course provided by ANERA that is designed for older teens so that they can work for a better future for themselves.  Joumana has participated in a certified early childhood education training course, but many other courses teach these young people computers, hairdressing, cooking, sports, and other life skills.

"The non-formal education and job skills courses are part of ANERA's project, "Quick Impact Skills for Development for Youth and Adolescents Affected by the Syrian Crisis," implemented in partnership with UNICEF and with funds from the governments of Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

This is my ninteenth portrait of a refugee child served by ANERA, American Near East Refugee Aid, a non-profit, non-political organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.    The Innocents Project is my attempt to raise awareness and money for ANERA so that they can continue their good work serving these Innocents.

Look for more on this in the coming days.

For more information, please check out their website:  www.anera.org
You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.

870 Weary

This is my 18th painting for The Innocents Project, my effort to raise awareness and funds for the Syrian and Palestinian refugees who are served by a non-profit, non-political American organization called ANERA, American Near East Refugee Aid, located in Washington DC.  ANERA provides whatever is necessary to serve the refugees---education, supplies, food, clean water systems, etc.

In April, violence erupted in the Ein El Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon, and hundreds of families were displaced.  In August, fighting in the camp intensified and 47 families were displaced.  Six refugees were killed and 15 wounded.  ANERA provided hygiene kits, baby supplies and quilts, and distributed medical supplies to a local hospital.  The folks at ANERA are angels.

In recent weeks, we have seen massive destruction caused by hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.  The conditions in which so many people are surviving are deplorable, and surely, they will be affected for a very long time by these disasters.  

There are a lot of similarities in living conditions for the Syrian and Palestinian refugees, but their problems have existed for many, many years, and are a result of man-made complications rather than Mother Nature's wrath.  Lack of electricity, food, clothing, heat, water, education, are shared experiences with the hurricane victims, but the one difference is that that is the "normal" in their world.  

"870 Weary"

acrylic - 12x12 in

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/870-weary/626018

869 Education is Key

The new school year began this week in my community and many others, and as I watched neighborhood kids trot off to school with their new paraphernalia and school clothes, I couldn't help but think of the children in Palestine and Lebanon, where education for many is not readily accessible due to poverty and conflict.  Stress and anxiety can prohibit the learning process and development for these children.

In Lebanon, not only is the economy left in turmoil by the 1.5 million Syrian refugees, but so is the education system.  But so many of the Syrian refugee children drop out of school to work to support their families, and many of them have not been enrolled in school at all.

If you have been following my blog, you may recall that I have been painting the refugee children as part of my effort called "The Innocents Project."  This is my 17th painting in the series, which I'm hoping will raise awareness of the innocent children who are caught in the middle of a turbulent situation.  (More on that in the weeks to come!)

I am also working to promote the good work of a Washington, DC headquartered organization called ANERA, American Near East Refugee Aid, a non-political, non-profit group of devoted people in the US and in the Middle East who are committed to restoring dignity to those who live in sub-human conditions.  ANERA provides early childhood education to those like this beautiful young girl, incorporating expressive arts as part of their curriculum.  For older students, they provide non-formal and flexible education to teens so that they can try to go to school and help support their families.  It is often difficult and unaffordable for the children to get transportation to schools outside of their camps, so ANERA is working to educate them in or near their camps.

ANERA seems to cover whatever is needed for the refugee families, renovating schools, improving water systems, distributing medical supplies and relief materials, including shoes and boots for children who otherwise would be barefoot.  I cannot say enough about the work they do, which is so much more than I have described here.  Check their stats and you will see.  Please consider donating to ANERA or at the very least, check out their website to learn about this crucial situation.  www.anera.org.

Thank you so much for your consideration.

"869 Education is Key"
acrylic - 12x12 in

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/869-education-is-key/621756

849 Hospitality and Kindness

 I rarely know the names of the refugee children I paint, but here is a little information as ANERA describes him.  "Hossam, 16 is from Homs in Syria.  Nearly 6 years ago, he and his family fled the war and found safety in Halba, Northern Lebanon.  They left everything behind.  Hossam still remembers his school days when he was happy and safe, playing football on the streets of Homs with friends.  Now he says he faces a lot of bullying when playing with kids from Halba.  'Kids run after me saying, You are Syrian.  Go back home!'  But I defend myself saying 'We are all humans and once we go back home, you can all come visit and I will welcome you with hospitality and kindness.' "

Hossam's portrait is part of my "Innocents Project."  ANERA, American Near East Refugee Assistance, a non-political organization in Washington D.C.  helps families like Hossam's by providing shelter, food, clothing, safe water, distribution of donated Tom's shoes, medical supplies, and much, much more.  Please consider making a donation to ANERA.org in honor of someone special, or just because.

P.S.  Perhaps you have noticed that just about every child in my portraits has dark circles under their eyes.  I do not exaggerate the circles, but feel like I must include them.  The children often sleep on cement flooring with a blanket cushion in one "room" of the refugee camp containing their entire family.  No wonder.

"849 Hospitality and Kindness"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/849-hospitality-and-kindness/571553

840 Feisty and Sweet

Another painting as part of my Innocent's Project...

This adorable little girl is a student at one of the 165 preschools that ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) has rebuilt/refurbished in the West Bank and Gaza.  ANERA has introduced new creative ways for 600 teachers to teach 30,000 children who attend schools in Palestine.  The new framework developed by ANERA, the Ministry of Education and others nationally and internationally concerned about education involves a creative approach to learning, just as we would see in most American preschools.  Instead of passively playing music in the background, children and teachers play a variety of instruments, incorporating dance, drama and art.  Play time is very important part of development for children in this age group, and so many social skills revolve around playtime.  At first the children didn't know what to do with the various games that were provided to them, therefore they mixed up all the playing pieces.  With time and effort, they learned to keep the games together and how to enjoy them.  We take things like this for granted.  These children live in horrific living conditions, but I am grateful to ANERA for providing them with education in a happy setting.

"ANERA’s ECD program is built on a comprehensive and holistic vision to provide the best learning environment for children in safe and colorful settings with child-appropriate learning materials and furnishings, sanitary facilities and playgrounds."  

You can read more about the wonderful work that ANERA does for refugees in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan here:  www.anera.org   They also have Facebook and Instagram pages.

"840 Feisty and Sweet"
acrylic - 12x12 in


http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/840-feisty-and-sweet/557036

837 Shining Light

The Campion home was filled with warmth and joy at Christmas and Chanukah.  We had a house full of family--many from a warm climate who loved the cold (go figure) and frolicking in the snow.  We were all bundled up to endure snowball fights, building forts, and the highlight-- snow tubing.  Food and drink were plentiful, and laughter filled the air.  Santa visited and left many gifts for the children after filling his belly with cookies and milk.  We are all so fortunate to have so many blessings.

Painting over the last few weeks was at a minimum, but I was too busy to make it a priority.  I was a little worried that the dreaded painter's block would slip in, but thankfully it didn't.  A giant antique door knob painting called out from the easel, and a beautiful amaryllis gift from a friend is blooming and stirring potential painting ideas.

But at this time yesterday and today, I felt compelled to paint another refugee child pictured on ANERA'S "#Shine Your Light" year-end fundraising campaign (www.ANERA.com) as part of The Innocents Project.  This little girl stole my heart with her big brown eyes and bowed lips.  This will make my 10th portrait in this series,  and I will continue painting until I have a body of work to display and raise awareness (and funds) for the refugee children in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) has a great track record for providing education, shoes, warm clothes, medical supplies, improved water systems, and whatever else is needed to give refugees some dignity and the tools needed to make a better future.  It is very cold in that part of the world, perhaps you didn't know that, and heat is not plentiful even in regular homes, let alone in tents and makeshift cement structures. Imagine sleeping in 40 degrees without heat!  I hope you will check out ANERA's web sight and their Facebook page.  Their focus is on providing better lives for the refugees, NOT politics, so I hope that will further encourage you to read about their good work and to consider a donation.

I would like to express my gratitude to you for following my work and for all your comments, suggestions and encouragement.  I am grateful for the two galleries who represent me, Edgewood Orchard Gallery in Door County, Wisconsin, and The Leigh Gallery in Chicago.  I wish you all good things for 2017--good health, happiness, a heart full of love, and whatever prosperity means to you.

"837 Shining Light"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/837-shining-light/542711

I would like to expand the reach of my blog so please pass it on to someone who may enjoy it.
www.dianecampion.blogspot.com

836. Sticking Together

Today is Giving Tuesday, and it couldn't be a more perfect day to have completed this painting for one of my favorite organizations, ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid).  ANERA states their request more eloquently than I could ever do:  "Today is #GivingTuesday. Your gift can bring warm clothes to a child living in a tent. Your gift can deliver vital medicine to families living in isolated #Palestinian villages. Your gift can give kids and teens access to basic education, so their dreams don't fade. Please #ShineYourLightand give today."   I assume these two darlings are sisters, and I hope I have communicated that resemblance.  Unfortunately, all they have is each other.  

Recently,  I had an open house/open studio to share my artwork, and front and center were my 10 paintings of portraits of refugee children in Palestine and Lebanon as a part what I am calling The Innocents Project.  People donated to the cause and, in addition,  I am donating a percentage of my sales of artwork to ANERA.  I know that the money will be well spent.  As an artist, I feel an obligation to express myself not only in "pretty paintings" but to communicate my passion for the good of these children, who are innocent victims.

I am so proud of this organization, ANERA.  97 percent of their money goes to satisfying their mission. They do great work.  Please consider a donation to the Innocents Project, my effort to raise awareness and money for ANERA, at www.ANERA.org today or any day.  Thank you for your consideration.

"836. Sticking Together"
acrylic - 12x12 in


http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/836-sticking-together/537185

798 Marwa

Marwa is an outgoing seven year old Syrian refugee who has lived in one of Lebanon's tent camps since she was two years old.  She and her family left their home in Homs, Syria after it was heavily shelled.  She doesn't remember much of her early life.  Marwa has become an "ambassador" or sorts to visitors, particularly to the ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) folks who bring supplies to her camp.  She goes to school near the camp, and readily admits she isn't fond of school, however she plans to be a teacher one day.  When asked to draw a  house, she replied, "I cannot draw a house.  I will draw a tent instead.  I don't know what a house looks like."

"Marwa" is the fifth refugee child in my "Innocents Project" series.  She is the first and only child whose name I know so far.  It is important to me to see these children as real people with names, not just falling under a heading called "refugees."  I get an idea of what this spunky little girl is like from other photos showing a gap in her big bright smile where two bottom teeth used to be.  She is seen carrying her little brother, and has boasted that she does better in school than her siblings.  How typical for a seven year old, yet her life is far from typical or normal.

ANERA works to improve the lives of all of the refugees, but particularly for the children.  Please consider a donation to anera.org in honor of a special mother, or "just because" and please mention The Innocents Project.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

"798 Marwa"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/798-marwa/477195

dianecampion.blogspot.com

795 Hopeful

This beautiful little girl lives at the Ein El Helweh Camp and attends kindergarten with the young girl in my previously posted painting, "793 Not Forgotten."  ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) recently renovated the preschool at the camp and is focusing on providing a safe and intellectually stimulating place for these young children so they can find some sense of normalcy in an unstable and sometimes violent area.

To read more about ANERA and their commitment to refugees in Lebanon and Palestine, please visit their web site"  http://anera.org/  and please consider making a donation to "The Innocents Project." Not only do they help with the physical rebuilding/remodeling of schools, but they provide medical supplies, education, distribution of warm clothes and blankets, etc to those in need.

"795 Hopeful"
acrylic - 12x12 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/795-hopeful/474261

dianecampion.blogspot.com