UAE students brighten up Covid-19 isolation areas with paintings

Students in the Capital knew fighting Covid-19 could be tough so they decided to add splashes of happy colours to isolation units.

The youth of Aspen Heights British School in Al Bahya painted artworks to brighten up the surroundings of patients and medical professionals who are working round the clock to beat Covid-19. And their paintings will be hung on the walls of the isolation floors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Sisters Keira and Khloe Ucat, aged 13 and 11, collaborated on a piece inspired by their favourite film.

"We wanted to support and encourage frontliners and patients during this tough time. We wanted them to know that we're all in this together and that we are supporting them by staying at home to prevent the spread of the disease. Tough times won't last but tough people do," said Keira.

School principal Emma Shanahan said the aim was to share a positive message of healing and strength with those recovering from Covid-19.

"We want patients and caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to know that Aspen Heights are thinking of them and sending positive messages of hope and strength through this artwork, which we hope will brighten their day during this difficult time."

Sue Behrens, chief clinical and nursing officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the paintings had transformed the isolation units.

"We are grateful for this wonderful gesture of support from our community. These paintings provide a great source of hope and motivation for our caregivers who are working hard to beat this disease and supporting our patients who are fighting it while separated from their friends and family."

Each painting was laminated, allowing it to be disinfected before it was brought into the hospital and during future cleaning rounds.

 ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

Ashwani Kumar

I am a newspaperman from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A journalist at heart. I get my stories from the streets. A south Indian born in the Hindi heartland, I easily connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am calm like a monk, sensitive and very patient reporter. On the ground, I cover a range of topics related to community, health, embassy, tourism, transport, business and sports. I will go out on a leg to do what’s right and stand by what I believe in.