22 Jul Kijana Youth Get Creative in Virtual Art Contest
by Madi Donham, Refugee Services Intern
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, community organizations continue to unite and spread joy in Houston and across the nation. Recently, the Indian Muslim Association of Greater Houston celebrated its 11th Annual Eid Milan Gala with various participants dressed in traditional clothing eager to embrace a nontraditional observance over Zoom. IMAGH, a nonprofit that fosters amity across cultures, communities and religion, embraced the symbols of Eid this year with virtual performances, speakers, and an art contest for youth.
Kijana Youth Program participants Elora Kidane, Willson Kidane, Melody Bahta and Lemuel Daniel Bahta are among this year’s winners, who showcased artistic representations of staying healthy and preventing the spread of COVID-19. These artists are a part of the Alliance’s Kijana Youth Program, which provides services to create opportunities for refugee and immigrant youth to achieve academic success and to cultivate valuable leadership.
7-year old Elora and 9-year-old Willson Kidane crafted images that encourage community members to wear masks, sanitize, and stay home to protect others. The siblings were born in an Eritrean refugee camp in Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, and their family relocated to Houston when Elora was a year old and Willson was three years old. Today, they attend the Academy of Accelerated Learning, and enjoy spending time together while riding bikes and studying.
“We enjoy being a part of the Alliance Kijana Program, and are especially grateful to our teacher, Ms. Gabriela, as she is caring, kind and patient,” said Elora and Wilson. “We have also enjoyed the music lessons provided by Alliance Kijana.” The siblings continue to participate in tutoring sessions and music lessons virtually during the pandemic.
Additional art contest winners include the Bahta duo, Melody and Lemuel Daniel. Their art depicted activities to do while at home and a tribute to their mother. Originally from Eritrea, 7-year-old Melody and 8-year-old Lemuel Daniel came to the United States in 2009.
“Since English is not our primary (first) language and our parents are busy with work, it has not been easy for us to do our school assignments or read books together,” the siblings said. “However, with the help of the Alliance Kijana Program, we have benefited from the after-school tutoring.”
Learn more about the Kijana Youth Program.
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