Every child deserves a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. As a volunteer with I Light Global, I work with a passionate team devoted to protecting and advancing children’s rights. Together, we aim to build a world where every child can learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

​Art is more than just drawing. 

When I joined I Light Global, one of the things that moved me most was seeing the photos and stories that teachers and volunteers share from their art lessons with migrant children. I haven’t been in the classroom myself, but I often look at the children’s drawings and each post feels something truly special. You can see joy, pride, and a quiet confidence shining in those young eyes. And that made me think deeply about how art helps children build self-esteem, how something as simple as a drawing can become a step toward believing in themselves again.

​Introduction: I Light Global is a U.S.-based charity founded by Dr. Rajeev and renowned Indian artist Dalip Chandolia, beginning with art projects for children who were out of school. The initiative was initially met with skepticism, as using art to encourage children to return to education was a new and experimental idea.

When I first met with Dr. Rajeev and Tatiana at I Light Global, Dr. Rajeev explained that some people doubted the value of the art lessons offered to migrant children, not because the lessons or methods were lacking, but because they believed the children should focus on learning to read and count. Of course, reading and math are essential for any child’s education, but art also holds a special place in nurturing creativity and emotional growth. After witnessing firsthand the beautiful, caring, and inspiring work the volunteers and teachers were doing with the children, I was deeply moved. That experience inspired me to write this article.