News and Events

Hope Exists 2009

Since 2001, Arts for Life International, Inc. has worked in various capacities with children and adults in crisis. Most of our work has had to do with violence and it's effect upon the body, soul, and spirit of those involved. Currently, we are in the process of co-ordinating volunteers all over the world (America, China, Australia, Russia, Egypt, Japan) to create a handbook for young people in former USSR and communist countries. We are currently translating the handbook into Russian and Romanian and hope to distribute the copies in orphanages, foster homes, group homes, and boarding schools throughout former USSR and Eastern Europe. Very few resources dealing with abuse and its effects are available for children and young people in former USSR and communist countries. Many young people will benefit from this type of resource. The book is also helpful for Christian and non-Christian aid workers who need a greater understanding of violence and it's effects on young people.

June 2009: Hope Exists: Exploring Abuse and its Effects, A Handbook for Young People	"Hope Exists" is a handbook that is designed to help children in institutionalized settings cope with abuse and its effects on their lives. The fourteen chapter book is for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 and addresses issues such as: what is physical, sexual, spiritual, and emotional abuse; the effects of abuse on the emotions, body, and mind; young people changing the world, power and control, and what to do if in need of help. The book is therapeutic and is designed to help young people understand how abuse has personally affected their lives through art activities that they may complete on their own or in a group. If you would like more information about Hope Exists please email Karen at khvidd32@gmail.com for more information.

World Refugee Day June 20 2009	To mark this day, Arts for Life International Inc. wrote a letter to Senator Chris Evans in the Australian Parliament asking that children who are detained on Christmas Isalnd be relocated to appropriate accomodations in mainland Australia. Children and unaccompanied minors seeking asylum from nations that are in crisis are detained at Christmas Island without adequate services. This is breaching the Convention of the Rights of the Child according to Amnesty International. The regimentation of the island creates psychological and physical distress for these young people which may result in long term damage. At AFLI, inc. we hope to see Australian government change this situation by allowing the children to re-settle on mainland Australia.

August 2009	We have been able to supply Michigan Bridge Ministries with the resource, Staying Safe in both Russian and English. Staying Safe is a resource which helps children in orphanages learn about personal safety. Many children in orphanages are at high risk of sexual abuse and assault for various reasons. One reason is that children without parents are not often taught what is a safe or unsafe person and/or situation. Staying Safe is a resource that can help workers communicate (through experiential workshops) to children the possibility of staying safe.