Story behind an artwork

"You have the freedom to draw anything you like. However, make sure that your drawing and painting represents a story. I want the class to get the clear message of what your drawing represents." Mr Joe, the Fine Arts teacher instructed his form 5 pupils.

The kids brought out their drawing book and crayon boxes. In another hour, the pupils were busy with the drawings.

Mr Joe was going round the class to inspect the pupils' work. Ela's work got his attention.

Ela was handicapped. Whatever instruction being given to her peers orally must be written for her to read and comprehend. Her reply must also be in a similar format. She had speech and hearing impairment.

With her face directly on her drawing book, her hand was moving frequently between the book and the box of crayons. Mr Joe stood behind her for minutes trying to decipher the story behind Ela's drawing and painting.

She drew a baby crying while the mother was giving him milk. Below this was also the painting of a child about her age with sealed ears and mouth standing behind an adult, with a title, living on the assumption of others. The drawings weren't too sharp but the labeling helped Joe to have a clue.

After a few minutes, Mr Joe tapped Ela on her shoulder. She looked up with contagious smiles. She stood up and stretched her work to her teacher while using the other hand and head to gesture that she had finished. Mr Joe collected it and gave her a thumbs up.

He went back to his seat to continue studying Ela's drawing. Other pupils were going forward one after the other to submit their drawings on Mr Joe's table. After the last person submitted, it was time to call on each pupil to tell the class the story behind their drawings.

Joe picked his white board marker.

"Ela, come forward and explain the story behind your dual drawing," he wrote on the board.

Ela, the beautiful queen that defies her impairment with lovely smiles stood up and went to the front.

Pointing to the crying baby being given milk by the mother, she wrote on the board. "The baby is crying. The mother assumed that he was hungry. What if the mother's assumption is incorrect?

"A child that is deaf and dumb lives on the assumption of someone else especially when there is no way to communicate in writing. My uncle doesn't understand English and I can't write in any other language apart from English. He assumes my emotions all the time and when the assumption is incorrect, there is no way to tell him." She explained the second drawing.

"When will I proceed from being an infant living on someone else's assumption?" She asked.

The whole class was silent for seconds.

Ela was staying with her uncle and his family. Communication becomes difficult in some instances when her sign language or that of her uncle or any other person is not being understood either way.

"I know how you feel in your situation. You won't suffer forever. I will write you a detailed response." Mr Joe responded to Ela's presentation in writing with teary eyes.

He continued calling the pupils to present their drawings. The last pupil came up with another drawing and a captivating story.

Ali drew two children standing behind each other. One was in School uniform and bag while the other one was holding a plate that he used to beg for food. He titled it, "Unequal starting."

"Ali, what inspired your drawing and title?" Mr Joe gave him the floor to present his work.

"This boy was born just like this was, pointing to both of them in quick succession.

"The boy is already in school with the help of another person, probably his parents.

"This person is lacking a similar help to put him on the same pedestal. They were born equally but not starting life equally. An innocent boy being punished." He concluded.

Mr Joe was perplexed with the drawings from the pupils, especially Ela and Ali.

"The issue of giving birth and throwing them to the street is a dehumanizing one. No child deserves to beg for food."

"Something must have been responsible for this drawing and story. Do you mind sharing it with us?" Joe asked Ali.

"On my way to school everyday, I see some children hold plates to beg for food. They scavenge leftover food at restaurants. They don't deserve it. I want them in school."

"This is a concern to all stakeholders. The larger society must listen to your passionate plea and desire. This drawing shall be acted out as a play in the next end of session ceremony. The government representative that will be coming needs to hear you kids out," Mr Joe declared.

The kids' creativity took them to many directions of life that day. The one hour class allowed the pupils to express themselves in various uncommon ways through the drawings.

"This is a beautiful day. Arrange your crayon box and keep it safe till next week.

"How many of you enjoyed the class?" Mr Joe asked.

All the hands were in the air and it coincided with the sound of the bell for break. The pupils trouped out to eat, play and have fun.