In 2010, I traveled to Nepal to work as a volunteer art teacher in a school. Also working with disadvantaged children in orphanages and with kids living on the street, I began to witness how discrimination and social indifference of these children created barriers for self potential.
Blown away and inspired at the same time by the creative ability and passion many of these children had for the arts, the idea arose that a great way to not only encourage potential of the individual, but of a people, was to create a platform of opportunity where street and other stigmatized youth could be reintroduced back into a society and recognized for their positive attributes, talents and contributions as a human being and member of a community necessary for its growth and success.
Deeply effected by the suffering and challenges these children faced everyday, the idea of creating an empowerment project for youth became something I wanted to pursue.
In March of 2012, in order to raise funds for the cause I had grown extremely passionate about, I registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Over the past year and a half, donations from just a small group of close friends, family members and associates has afforded everything from materials needed to conduct several art classes and projects, thousands of meals to helping several youth get off the street by providing shelter, education and healthcare.
By collaborating with Hats for Orphans, a non-profit organization in Montana, last winter we were also able to provide 300 hats to help youth stay warm.
The difference made by just a handful of people is a glimpse of the impact that can be made through the help of many. My hope is that Artbeat Nepal grows to be a organization that does just that.
artbeatnepal.wordpress.com 