Several years ago, I began The Innocents Project, my personal effort to raise awareness of the refugee children in the Middle East and the difficulties they face. I do this also to raise awareness to the good work provided by ANERA. Noor's portrait is one of the 30-plus portraits I have painted so far. It's been quite a while since the last portrait, and judging by this one, I am very rusty. I always have trouble with the skin tone and this one was no exception.
ANERA, which stands for American Near East Refugee Aid, is an American nonprofit that provides educational, medical, and so much more to refugee families in Lebanon and Palestine. Because only one-third of four and five year olds participate in preschool, early childhood education is one of ANERA's priorities for these children during the important formative period. Noor is a student at the Madama Preschool in the West Bank where ANERA has established the Right Start program, which supports West Bank and Gaza preschools and community organizations. The Right Support program also gives teachers and parents the tools they need to ensure a healthy future for their children.
ANERA's web site is www.anera.org. If you would like to learn more about what is provided by this fine organization and what is needed, please check it out, and if you are so moved, make a donation.
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