How to Draw a Lion
For two weeks straight, any visitor may have mistaken Rubundo House for an art studio. Up to twelve Rift Valley Children's Village kids could be found gathered there engrossed in their paintings while the latest pop hits played in the background.
Since 2014, How to Draw a Lion has been spending one month at Rift Valley Children’s Village (RVCV) to teach our children about art and help bolster their artistic talents. How to Draw a Lion champions and fundraises for African-led programs that are grassroots and community based. An art class in a suitcase, their mission is to expose kids to art and help start sustainable art programs through classes led by former students of the program.
In the Oldeani Community, and throughout much of Tanzania, art is not offered at school, so most students do not grow up with exposure to many creative outlets. Art education has a variety of developmental benefits including the growth of motor skills in young children, language development, strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking skills, encouraging a sense of innovation, and improved academic performance.
After this year’s visit, How to Draw a Lion is passing along its paintbrushes to some of our Form 4 Students, like Ally Salim and Yohani Pendael, with the goal for them to continue painting classes on the weekends. In addition, Ally and Yohani will help train teachers at Gyetighi Primary School (GPS) so that a permanent art club can be created for students.
“There’s been such a phenomenal advancement in their [the kids at RVCV] skills and talents, which is so impressive. Even without much practice, they are always better than they were the year before,” John Platt, founder of How to Draw a Lion, commented as he looked through the collection of masterpieces that had been created.
We are excited to announce that these masterpieces can be yours via our first ever online auction. You can bid on these pieces until October 27th at 6:00 PM EST. Click the link here to view artwork by Raif, Sharifa, Simon and more!