Tara Children's Project (TCP) is the only children's home caring for HIV affected orphaned kids in the state of Bihar, India. Children from the Tara Children's Project (TCP) recently worked collaboratively with arts therapist Karma Barnes to create a beautiful mural to enliven and beautify the entrance to TCP. The children developed the design of the mural based on themes from the 16 Guide Lines and drawings from their imaginations. All the children from the TCP contributed to the project from 5-17 years of age. The mural was an opportunity for the kids to see their ideas come to life, explore ways of working with each other as well as overcoming challenges, learning new skills and delighting in expressing their ideas in colour and paint. Karma is from Australasia where she works with young people both as an arts therapist and as a participatory artist, utilizing street art and installation art as a method of facilitating people working together.
Ven. Paldron the director of The Root Institute said about the project "I am sure this was not only therapeutic and creative but it also taught them many skills in addition to helping them feel a sense of confidence and accomplishment in the work they did."
TCP is Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) Project run through The Root Institute.Tara Children's Project started in 2008 when three children and two carers moved into the premises located behind the Maitreya School buildings. Soon afterwards, six more children arrived from an orphanage in Delhi, all of whom originated from this area of Bihar.
The emphasis of the project is to achieve stabilisation for the children. The home currently has 21 children ranging in age from five to sixteen. The school-age children are now enrolled in our own Maitreya School. They have been accepted exceptionally well considering the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Several children have come from villages neighboring Bodhgaya. Having lost both parents to AIDS, with their village unable or unwilling to care for them, once accepted into TCP their whole demeanor visibly brightens.
The children are encouraged to care for and support one another and to understand that they are now part of a family. Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom is at the core of all the training and vision of Tara Children’s Project. The children are inspired to follow principles of the 'Six Essential Guidelines for a Better Life'
Forgiveness
Apology
Patience
Kindness
Courage
Rejoicing
If you feel inspired the best way you can help support Tara Children's Project is financially with either a one-off donation or with continuing sponsorship check out >> http://www.rootinstitute.ngo/social-…/tara-childrens-project
