Art camp for underprivileged children in Barisal

Underprivileged children of different areas of Barisal came together in a festive mood at Poet Jibanananda Memorial Hall and library of the city, where an art camp was held for them recently.

Around 110 children joined the programme. Bangladesh Shishu Academy has organised a countrywide art camp for underprivileged children, and the programme was in its fifth edition, said Pankaj Roy Chowdhury, District Officer of Children Affairs.

Mahim Kibria, a 15-year old special-needs child said he felt “very happy” to join the programme.

Bithi, a 13-year old slum resident said children there had no earlier experience of an art camp. “We want follow up trainings next time,” she added.

Avijit Chowdhury, artist and coordinator of the programme, said that with proper training, underprivileged children can reach for the skies. Bangladesh Shishu Academy, he added, had launched an art-based project for underprivileged children who had never received an opportunity to learn painting.

“We will train eight competent children from eight divisions,” he added.

Inaugurating the art camp, Deputy Commissioner Md. Habibur Rahaman said the government has a well-thought out safety net programme to promote wellbeing of underprivileged children.