Children's World Art Initiative

Children’s World Art Initiative is building art & photography workshops for underserved children near and far to help promote self-esteem and empower the leaders of tomorrow. Aria & Cheryl are seasoned Photographers and Art Therapists that believe in the power of the artistic process for emotional growth and strength. www.childrensworldart.com

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#makeartgiveart #childworldarteffect Check out our website for more information and upcoming Brooklyn workshops!! #giving #nonprofit #youth #artworkshops

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Want to come intern with @childworldart ?!! Currently seeking freelance interns for web/app development, social media marketing & grant writing/research. Email [email protected] #fbf #internship #childworldart #international #webdeveloper #socialmediamarketing #fundraising #startup #teamwork

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Sorry for the delay y'all! #childworldart gifties from good ol crowd sourcing fundraiser last winter! Thanks for all the support and patience. #fundraising #thankful

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Who needs snow?! #sandangels #tbt #namibia #childworldart #environmentalart

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#tbt to the children of war. #ChildrenofZaatari. #zaatari #childworldart #syrianrefugees (at Mafraq - Zaatari Camp)

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#Tbt to Zaatari Refugee camp in Al Mafaraq, Jordan. Just 10 kilometers away from the Syrian border over 100,000 Syrians now call the camp "home". Regram @lasneha #syrianrefugee #zaatari #warrumbleson #childworldart

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#tbt to Zaatari Refugee Camp. Thinking of our friends over their during Ramadan. #ramadanmubarak #zaatari #syrianrefugees #childrefugees

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After & Future. Remember the Refugees.

I’ve been wondering why it has been so difficult to reflect on my time in Jordan but, I realized that I needed time to digest and put the pieces together at my own pace. With the headlines streaming about ISIS and building violence in Iraq, I must say, it has brought everything a bit full circle. This project taught me about a world of people on the move. Humans have always been nomadic from the origins of man documented so beautifully by Nat Geo or the many immigrants I share space with here in New York City. The life on the move is an experience I know very little about as I grew up in Northern New Jersey, and have lived in Brooklyn for 13 years. I have never known the experience of feeling unsafe in my neighborhood or having to leave everything I know, all my personal effects, to flee to another country for my physical safety. I would like to say the refugee experience is a unique one but, according to the UNHCR, there were an estimated 10.4 million refugees worldwide at the beginning of 2013. I have no doubt this number has drastically increased within the first 6 months of 2014. My heart hurts for these beautiful people and I feel lucky they welcomed me into their lives. When the headlines are dominated by “violence and terror” in the Middle East, I ask you to please remember the innocent victims of these actions. Please remember what it is like to be free, safe from bombs, guns, ability to make a living, wear what you choose and love who you chose. Keep the innocent victims of war in the forefront of your heart when the mainstream news forgets to mention them.

Photo by Aria Rivera

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The Syrian conflict has been growing in intensity and scope for more than two years, with the United Nations estimating more than 100,000 dead and millions displaced. Regram from @refugeaid #zaatari #syriancrisis #civilwar #refugeeaid #jordan #beaware

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Looking back on out teen dream group in Amman, Jordan. #refugeeart #jordan (at collateral repair project)

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 refuge=protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship. A place providing protection or shelter.

Photo by Aria Rivera

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Thinking of about the children of Zaatari today after news of riots in the camp have surfaced. #besafe #childworldart #syrianrefugees photo by @ariaisadora

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All done! #childworldart #teenday (at collateral repair project)

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Mask making day! #artforall #childworldart #iraqirefugees #syrianrefugees #amman #jordan (at Collateral Repair Project مشروع الإصلاح العرضي)

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Teen art day! #maskmaking #childworldart #iraqirefugees #syrianrefugees #amman #jordan #artforall (at Collateral Repair Project مشروع الإصلاح العرضي)

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Finished! #teens #childworldart #iraqirefugees #syrianrefugees #artforall (at collateral repair project)

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Puzzle mural with the teens! #iraqirefugees #syrianrefugees #childworldart (at collateral repair project)