A child in Harare, Zimbabwe, creating a drawing

In SOS Children’s Villages, art is a very important part of many children’s lives. As children get the chance to express themselves, they can reveal a skill or talent that might give them the confidence to pursue a certain field or career later in life.

SOS Children holds art competitions in some countries, as a way of recognising and encouraging good artwork. In some areas the charity holds exhibitions, where children get the chance to display their artwork, and to be proud of it, as friends, adopted family members, or members of the community observe their work.

At the end of last year, our charity launched a website called Doodleboat, which celebrates the artwork of our children by revealing a new drawing each and every day. It is a great insight into the work that our children carry out. A wide range of different mediums are used by our children and young adults. There are examples of beautiful, intricate, pencil drawings, through to magnificently colourful painitings and imaginative collages.