40 April 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings The best way to achieve social objectives is to get the younger generations involved by doing something that inspires them into action. This is what The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) Schools Prize 2016 aims to do. Now in its third year, the event combines children’s passion for art with the worthy cause of helping local orphan youngsters. The joint effort of the SAF and The Royal Charity Organization (RCO), this art charity is part of a global initiative that highlights the importance of art within the education system. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty The King’s Representative for Charity and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Charity Organization, and His Excellency Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, and Honorary President of the Bahrain Arts Society. The top 200 artworks of students from across 10 schools and educational entities will be exhibited at the Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, from April 12-19, with HE Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa at the opening on April 12 at 6pm. The schools taking part include Ibn Khuldoon National School, Shaikha Hessa Girls’ School, Riffa Views International School, Al Wisam School, Al-Raja School Bahrain, St Christopher’s School Bahrain, Al-Noor International School, Al-Hekma International School, The Gifted Students Centre run by the Ministry of Education; and the Centre for Gifted Students with Special Needs run by the Ministry of Education. The pieces will be categorised according to ages: 5-8, 9-12, 13-15 and 16-18, and will be judged by a panel from the Bahrain Arts Society. The proceeds from the sale of the pieces at the exhibition and a gala auction will go towards the RCO’s work amongst 5,000 orphan children in need in Bahrain. “Last year we raised over BD187,000 and the pressure is on this year to do even better,” says Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, RCO’s Charity Resources Development director. “We are taking giant steps. Everything is larger in number and of a higher calibre – 10 schools are taking part, not six; the art is being done on canvas rather than on paper and uses all sorts of materials like mixed media. From having an aim of BD20,000 at the first art charity we held, our aim this year is BD500,000. “The money raised last year was put towards the health and education of orphan boys and girls. We aim to do the same this year. We even have an agreement with hospitals whereby we help substantially with costs. This has allowed some children to have much needed surgeries.” Getting the children involved in the community efforts to help those in need teaches them the importance of giving. “I see it all the time, so it was on my mind and I drew it, I draw boats all the time. I drew it for my mum, dad and friends and I’m happy that it will go to help the orphans,” says Yagoob Yousef, 8, Alkhwarzmy Primary School for Boys and part of The Gifted Students Centre. “My painting is meant to be abstract. It is very colourful and I hope it cheers others up,” says Rahma Mirza, 14, Al-Rawabi School and part of The Gifted Students Centre. The annual charity auction of the top five artworks in each category will be held on April 26, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The winners from each of the four age groups will receive a cash prize of BD500, courtesy of the Sovereign Trust Consultancy (Bahrain) WLL. Call 33 393-379, email George@ SovereignArtFoundation.com or visit the Facebook page Sovereign Art Foundation – ME. ART WITH A MESSAGE A charitable art exhibition to help Bahraini orphans returns for the third year this month, with the participation of students from 10 different schools. When? April 12-19 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? Art Centre, Near Bahrain National Museum
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