World Vision At VMF
We have always put immense effort into making the Mount Pleasant Street Party an all-ages, family-friendly event. As we enter our 4th and biggest year yet, we are so excited to be working with World Vision, a global relief, development and advocacy organization, to provide a Family Zone. The Family Zone will specifically cater to hands-on activities and installments for families and youngsters.
“[We] created the painting with a sense of pride and responsibility to honour these women and to hopefully capture their strength and power.”
World Vision's Watoto Lounge will provide the breastfeeding station and change tables for the use of families throughout the festival. While taking a break with your little one, learn more about World Vision's inspiring work around maternal and child health with the 1000 Day Journey and see unique art created in Tanzania with Vancouver artist Lauren Brevner and Tanzanian artist Sungi Mlengeya.
The 1000 Day Journey is an initiative run by World Vision, with the help of its partners and funded by the Government of Canada. This project is working to contribute to the improvement of maternal and child health in vulnerable communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Myanmar and Bangladesh by addressing critical issues including nutrition, access to healthcare, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
This year, World Vision brought artist Lauren Brevner to rural Tanzania to learn, listen and create! Lauren was invited into three days of intentional learning in rural communities, meeting parents who benefit directly from the program. Lauren did not paint on her own: joined by Sungi Mlengeya, a visual artist from the Serengeti, they travelled together to learn the needs of the communities and creating a vision for a portrait to tell the story of the mothers. They have created a visual medium by balancing vital information and personal stories and gaining trust and friendship from the community members, encouraging connection: not as visitors, but as guests. To maintain authenticity and a link to East Africa, World Vision worked with Lauren to ensure all materials were sourced from the local markets. In the end, the canvas was brought to Tanzania and back, high risk but high reward, delivering an incredible story and experience to share with Canada! They’re even bringing it to display at the Watoto Lounge!
Be sure to visit World Vision’s Watoto Lounge in the Family Zone at our Mount Pleasant Street Party! Learn more about their time in Tanzania and how the 1000 Day Journey Program has impacted the lives of over 200 million vulnerable children and to get your chance in seeing the inspiring portrait of hope, resistance and motherly power.
