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A tale of two artists
By HILDA WAYNE
Teenagers Henry
Manega and Venansheus Siliwen enjoy nothing more than a great
time at school doing what they love most; painting.
Both lads are hearing impaired and are students at the Red Cross
Special School located at Ebony Place, Hohola Two in the
nation's capital.
For the moment their number one fans are their teachers and
schoolmates who adorn the school's classrooms with their finest
masterpieces.
"Through their paintings you can see how they are defining life
and I have found them to be very interesting. They need to be
encouraged to reach their fullest potential so that they like
all young people must excel in life and become better and
respected citizens," said their teacher Mrs Christine Kenia.
Mrs Kenia said the only drawback is that there are times when
the school runs short of paint. The smaller grades also do a lot
of painting, so the school's been out of paint for about two
months now.
For Henry and Venansheus, painting has been a passion since the
day they could pick up a pencil and sketch.
Through sign language the boys told of their desire to become
professional artists.
Henry and Venansheus' faces light up when Mrs. Kenia indicates
in sign language that they would like to go to art school at the
University of PNG.
There was a slapping of the right hand against the left palm
indicating 'true', they wanted to go to UPNG Arts School.
Mrs. Kenia said the children from the school recently went for a
class field trip to the UPNG Arts School and the boys were
overwhelmed and captured by what they saw there.
"They still remember what they saw at UPNG and would very much
like to go there one day. That is their dream and we are hoping
that they will get to join the upcoming professional painters at
UPNG," said Mrs Kenia.
She added that more support and effort was needed from the
community to assist children with special needs to pursue their
goals.
The children at the school are enthusiastic about learning, they
play, have fun and enjoy all aspects of school. They write well
and communicate effectively through sign language.
Mrs Kenia said the school recently initiated a new program which
includes dancing and the children have shown tremendous interest
in this form of art.
They have since staged a number of performances at the school
for parents and staff and were applauded for their fine talents.
The school plans to officially launch the new program soon to
showcase the children's talents and abilities. The launching
will be the children's very first public appearance outside of
their school.
The Red Cross Special School is located at Ebony Place, Hohola
Two in the National Capital District and caters for children
with all disabilities except blindness. There are children from
elementary to young people who are doing vocational training.
Anyone who is interested to know more about these special
children and their school are welcome to visit at Ebony Place,
Hohola Two. The school can be contacted through the PNG Red
Cross Society on telephone 325 8577 or 325 7016.
 
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