PCAU recognizes the Road to Hope (RTH) program as a vital advocacy tool for promoting palliative care, and as their partners, we always look for new, creative ways to support advocacy and awareness through the RTH program. This is how the children’s drawing competition – now a regular event at the annual RTH camp – got its start. Sharing the children’s art opens the door for new audiences to learn about the RTH program and PCAU’s work.
It is also a fun way to tap into the creativity and interest of the RTH children and serves as a way to engage and uplift them. The RTH children’s drawing contest captured the children’s hearts as they enthusiastically participated in the contest in hopes of winning a prize.
Last year, as a way to foster engagement with CHC staff and involve them in celebrating the children’s artwork, PCAU invited CHC staff to be judges for the contest. The top five drawings were later made into greeting cards. This collaboration not only raised awareness about the RTH program but also provided a way for CHC staff to connect with the children and support their creativity.
CHC staff appreciated the opportunity to be part of the judging process. Dr. Matt Misner, a CHC hospice physician, remarked on the exceptional quality of the artwork, expressing “all of these pictures were so good that it was somewhat disappointing to only pick 3!” Kristiana Donahue, CHC’s volunteer service manager, echoed this and noted that the RTH children are all “talented and did a great job!”
Building on this enthusiasm, the drawing contest was part of the 2024 RTH camp. CHC staff once again embraced the role of judges to help recognize the children’s talent and dedication. The winners of this year’s contest are:
1st place: Bounty of natural fruits – by Crispus A.: Crispus’ artwork celebrates the abundance of natural fruits and vegetables in Uganda. Crispus (and his brother Tonny) lost their mother, Claire, in July 2012. She was a palliative care nurse supported by our CHC/PCAU partnership and was a true champion of palliative care in the hills of western Uganda. She contracted Ebola treating patients, and PCAU brought the boys on the RTH program shortly after she died. Crispus recently took national exams to complete secondary school, and PCAU and his family are discussing the next step in his educational journey.
2nd place: Beautiful bird in the sun – by Peter O.: Peter’s artwork is an abstract depiction of a bird under the bright yellow glare of sun, symbolizing resilience and strength. Last year, Peter (and his brother Paul) lost their mother and are now orphans. PCAU and partners have supported them during this challenging time. They are now living with a neighbor who agreed to take them in and provide a nurturing environment. Peter is a bright student and is finishing his final year of ordinary level secondary school. He hopes to become a doctor.
3rd place: Truck carrying a Christmas tree – by Tonny A.: Tonny’s artwork shows a sunny and green Christmas – clearly this is Uganda and not Indiana! Tonny, Crispus’ older brother, recently graduated from university in development studies and is volunteering with PCAU to support the RTH program while he looks for a full-time job. He is a great help to the PCAU staff and enjoys giving back to the program that helped him reach where he is today.
The children’s artwork, transformed into greeting cards, not only spreads joy but also contributes to sustaining the RTH program through proceeds from sales. We invite you to contact us to purchase these beautiful cards and support our cause.