One opportunity makes all the difference
In our Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo program, adolescent girls are effecting positive change for themselves and their community in pursuit of equality and freedom from violence.
Our Impact
War has vast reverberating effects,
from individual traumas to societal breakdown.
Basic survival often overshadows a
community’s ability to focus on building a better future.
We provide youth transformational opportunities
for themselves and their communities through art.
Aminatou challenged racial and ethnic stereotypes
We met Aminatou when she was was living in a refugee camp in Burkina Faso to escape conflict in her home country of Mali.
As a girl and as a member of the black Touareg ethnic group, who historically have been slaves of the white Touaregs, she was faced with a life of unequal treatment and limited opportunities. She only had two years of schooling.
During her involvement in our program, she experienced, perhaps for the first time in her life, the same respect as everyone else. She showed us her bravery and joy, joked around with the other kids, and even painted when she had been bitten by a scorpion because she didn’t want to miss out. Her participation challenged cultural perceptions that a dark skinned girl was just as capable and talented as anyone else.
Louange challenged
gender stereotypes
Serge found community
Hatti gained
the confidence to shine
“Art has the power to render sorrow beautiful,
make loneliness a shared experience,
and transform despair into hope.”
– Brené Brown
Why Art? Learn about arts unique power to heal hearts and transform minds.
Help us awaken capabilities by joining the Artivist Circle, our monthly giving community.
Give $25 to pay for food to fuel a teen artivist’s creative energy during a program.
Our Sponsors and Partners
Yes, We are able!
Ndio, Tunaweza!
A Short Documentary
Art has the power to challenge the negative gender stereotypes that contribute to sexual violence.
Watch this inspiring short documentary showing how teen girls made a positive impact during our mural project, Tunaweza Portraits, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Latest from Colors of Connection
Colors of Connection News
Staying connected during COVID-19
To be safe, we have put certain program activities on hold. However, we remain connected to our partners and are actively supporting their response to the pandemic.
Get the Inside Scoop – Check out our Blog
Goma girls against COVID-19
The young women of M’Shujarts, a Girls Arts Collective, are taking action to support their community during COVID-19.
Featured Colors of Connection Supporter
John & Jody Mallie, Monthly donors
“Colors of Connection’s novel approach has shown long-lasting results. We believe what they are doing fits well into the wider narrative that we feel is so important in this world, and that is the empowerment of women.”
