Orphanages in Senegal, and primary schools and children’s groups in Ghana benefit from Freemasons generosity.
The Get Started Art Therapy Book initiative, which was launched just over a year ago, has already made significant strides in promoting mental well-being and creativity throughout the UK. In its first year, the initiative has successfully distributed 150,000 art therapy books, benefiting a diverse array of organisations. These include hundreds of community groups, hospitals, care homes, and schools. Additionally, the initiative has supported prominent charities, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Mind, to ensure that individuals in need, have access to a valuable artistic resource. The goal of this initiative is not only to foster creativity but also to provide mindfulness and therapeutic support for mental health, helping to improve the overall quality of life for countless individuals across the nation.
The coveted and loved books have now made their longest journey yet. 3,585 to Senegal and 4,842 miles to Ghana.
Facilitated by Essex Freemasons, Thousands of the books and colouring sets made their way to orphanages in Senegal on News Years Day as well as humanitarian projects in Ghana.
Over the past ten years, there has been a sharp global concern for Senegalese children’s well-being in schools, on the streets and within their own homes. Over 50% of Senegal’s population lives in rural areas, making educational institutions challenging and school choice non-existent. Many children miss the opportunity to attend school because of geographical barriers and familial responsibilities. Only 57% of students living in urban areas enrol in established educational centres. Furthermore, there is a mortality rate of 78% for children 5 years and under. With this rate, the need to improve home life among infant and toddler Senegalese children is absolutely crucial.
Get Started Art Therapy books have also been donated to schools and children’s groups In Ghana as part of the ‘Ghana Schools Project’ by assisting students, communities, and hospitals with products and valuable resources.
Since the program’s beginning, schools and clinics have received numerous donations, including thousands of textbooks, desks, bookcases, computer laptops, sunglasses, medical supplies, and more.
This international reach for the ‘Get Started Art’ Therapy Books began just a few months ago when 10,000 books and over 1000 Colouring Sets were funded by Orsett Lodge to be donated to schools and children’s groups in Irpin and Bucha, Ukraine.
Since the conflict began, more than 5,000 children in Bucha and Irpin are now studying in rebuilt schools, including the Irpin school, which was 70 per cent destroyed and whose restoration was funded by the European Union.
More recently 50,000 Get Started Art Therapy Books, were funded by the Essex Masonic Community Fund to be donated across the UK to promote and raise awareness of Children’s Mental Health week in February.
Get Started Art founder and Essex Freemason Dave Barton commented:
Supporting such incredible causes in Africa is truly wonderful. The books were originally created for local initiatives in Essex to promote mindfulness and relieve anxiety by helping others reduce stress through Art Therapy. It’s amazing to think that they are now benefiting children in war-torn areas like Ukraine and contributing to humanitarian projects in Africa.
