My Nonprofit Reviews

I first came across the Children's Art Village and Mai in 2008 when I was searching for a way to use my gifts and talents in art with orphaned children in Africa. After speaking to Mai and seeing the video from the first art and music camp in Ghana, I knew without a doubt that this was an incredible opportunity to get involved in and minister to the children in Ghana through the arts. My experience with the CAV was more amazing and inspiring than I could have possibly imagined! I absolutely loved the time I was able to spend with the children at the Village of Hope orphanage, and I imagine being involved each summer for the camp. My life has been forever changed by my time in Ghana and as an artist I desire to tell the children's stories through my portraits of them. Last summer, I had the privilege of meeting children from the Village of Life orphanage in Kete-Krachi and children from an orphanage in Tema who were all rescued from a life of slavery on Lake Volta and joined us for the camp. It was so exciting to see how the children absolutely came alive and truly shined as they created art, played music, and danced. Having the opportunity to express themselves creatively is healing, and it allows them to be kids again, free to be who God created them to be. They are able to grow as artists as well as discover new ways of expressing themselves. The CAV and Mai have encouraged and strengthened my passion for creating and teaching art to the orphan children in Ghana so much so that I will be teaching art at Hope Christian Academy in Ghana following the camp. I am truly thankful for the CAV and Mai's dedication to creating a sustainable art program for the children in Ghana as well as Vietnam, Cambodia, and India.

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