ART EDUCATION Art is a visual language that provides the inspiration to drive the economy. In 2009 My Chosen Vessels conducted a series of art workshops within different Maasai villages. One of the workshops was with Maasai girls that said no to female circumcision. These girls decided they wanted to go to school and receive an education rather than get forced into early marriages. The girls talked about their dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, pilots, ministers and leaders for their community. We discussed how important education is in order to uplift the Maasai people. The children then drew themselves as the pilot flying the airplane, the doctor helping the sick and the lawyer studying the law. Children cannot learn to write if they do not have access to a pencil and paper. The majority of Maasai children have never held a crayon before or experienced the beauty of painting a picture. Sadly, many times children are forced to share only one pencil during school! The Maasai schools are in desperate need of pencils, paper, art supplies and books in order for the children to improve academically. My Chosen Vessels believes in educational advancement through art! We believe that art is an essential tool for the Maasai community, because it will allow them to express and release the struggles that they endure, while also assisting them in becoming financially independent. Art is beneficial not only to the artist, but to society. Art will allow them to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and efficient communicators. My Chosen Vessels is dedicated to providing school supplies and art materials to schools in Maasailand.

Photography Workshop Drawing Workshop Maasai Education Donate

CHARITY PAPEI HAS A DREAM Charity Papei is the first girl in her village to say NO to female circumcision. Her dream is to go to school rather than get forced into an early marriage. In 2009, My Chosen Vessels provided art supplies to her village. This was the first time Charity had ever held a crayon. This is her self portrait, expressing her dream of one day becoming the President of Kenya...

PHOTOGRAPHS
Art workshops conducted with My Chosen Vessels and MWAVIDO  at the Vibrant Voices Empowerment Center in 2009.