More Than an Art Project: Helping Girls Learn, Grow, and Create at House of Grace–Thailand

When girls first arrive at House of Grace–Thailand, many are behind academically. Some have not had the opportunity to attend school regularly, and others may find themselves among the oldest students in their grade at the local elementary school. But that does not stop them from moving forward.

The staff at House of Grace–Thailand works tirelessly to help each girl catch up, with special attention given to foundational subjects such as reading and math. At the same time, they understand that a child’s development involves much more than academics. That is where activities like art can make a meaningful difference.

Creativity With a Purpose

A pack of construction paper, a pair of scissors, some crayons, and a glue stick can become almost anything in the hands of a girl at House of Grace. Many sponsors have seen that creativity firsthand through the handmade cards and correspondence they receive from the girls. Each colorful creation is a personal expression of love and gratitude. But while the girls are cutting, drawing, coloring, and creating, something even greater is taking place. They are developing important skills that can help them in the classroom and throughout their lives.

Art activities can support a child’s development in several important areas:



• Fine Motor Skills
  Holding a crayon or paintbrush, using scissors, drawing shapes, and gluing small pieces of paper all help children develop the fine motor skills and coordination needed for many every day and academic tasks.

• Language Development
  Art gives children opportunities to talk about colors, shapes, actions, ideas, and emotions. Describing what they have created also encourages them to communicate their thoughts and expand their vocabulary.

• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
  What color should I use? Where should this piece go? How can I turn this idea into something I can see? Creating art requires children to make choices, experiment, solve problems, and sometimes try again when something does not work as planned.

• Visual Learning
  Drawing, painting, working with clay, threading beads, and other creative activities can strengthen visual-spatial skills. Children learn to observe details, understand relationships between objects, and interpret visual information.

• Inventiveness and Imagination
  Perhaps one of the greatest gifts of art is the freedom to imagine. When children are encouraged to experiment and express themselves creatively, they discover that there is not always just one correct way to approach a problem. They can explore, take appropriate risks, and turn their own ideas into something new.

• An Opportunity to Flourish
• For the girls at House of Grace–Thailand, an art project is more than a way to fill an afternoon. It is another opportunity to learn. Another opportunity to develop skills they may not have had the chance to practice before. Another opportunity to discover what they can accomplish. And sometimes, it becomes a handmade card traveling thousands of miles to remind a sponsor that their generosity is making a difference.

Thank you for making days like these possible at House of Grace–Thailand.  Your support helps provide a safe and loving home where girls can catch up academically, develop new skills, explore their creativity, and receive opportunities to grow and flourish.

A Note from Fay Inman

When I see the girls sitting together creating something with their own hands, I am reminded of how far many of them have come. What may look like a simple art project is another opportunity for them to learn, build confidence, use their imagination, and experience the joy of accomplishing something themselves.

Every girl who comes to House of Grace has her own story and her own challenges to overcome. Our desire is not only to give her a safe place to live, but also to help her discover the gifts and abilities God has placed within her and to know how deeply she is loved.



— Fay Inman, Advocacy Director, Global Servants

Partner with Global Servants today and help give every girl at House of Grace the opportunity to grow in safety, dignity, and hope.