IDP students undergo

IDP students undergo

‘healing through art’

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Internationally renowned artists are now conducting a “fun art workshop” at the City Coliseum in Tetuan to about 300 elementary and high school students who were displaced during last year’s siege here.

The workshop began Aug. 29, and will culminate on Sept. 8, a day prior to the siege anniversary.

Rameer Tawasil, a Zamboangueno artist who has won recognition in other countries as a distinguished painter and Franco Joaquim, a Macau-based artist, are the lead facilitators.

“There will be a two-hour session for the pupils in one day for ten days,” said Tawasil. “Through art, they will learn how to express feelings, and in the process, their confidence will be built back.”

Earlier, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has emphasized that the siege anniversary will be commemorated through healing and confidence building among the internally-displaced persons (IDPs). The art workshop was borne out of the need to heal the unseen wounds of the IDPs after being victims of the siege, where lives and property were lost on a huge scale.

According to Tawasil, after the workshop, the outputs of the students will be auctioned to businessmen, including foreigners. “The proceeds of this will go back to the students and for the city’s development,” he said.

“An exhibit will be held on the siege anniversary on September 9,” Tawasil said.

The workshop is a project of the members of the Zamboanga Communications Working Group (CWG), including various international humanitarian partners. By Dominic I. Sanchez  (PIA IX) (090914)