Horizon House Artwork Challenge fosters independent learning skills
Each month, St John of God Horizon House residents in WA complete a team challenge as a way of keeping connected and creating a fun opportunity for the young people to work together in a supportive environment to achieve a shared outcome.
26 Jun 2018
Last month, the young people from each house were asked to create a piece of artwork which represented a St John of God Health Care Value that resonated most with them.
All seven WA Horizon Houses produced paintings representing St John of God Health Care’s Values of Hospitality, Justice, Excellence, Compassion and Respect.
The submissions were judged by St John of God Health Care Director Mission Integration Martin Loney and Social Outreach Chief Executive Officer Bev East, who declared Horizon House Wanneroo to be the overall winner with their piece titled, Our Mission.
Martin awarded a Mission prize to the Horizon House Young Mother and Baby Program for their artwork titled, Justice, and a highly commended was awarded to Horizon House Bunbury for their efforts portraying, Excellence.
Youth Services and Accommodation Director Ros Fahey said she was impressed with the high calibre of artwork the young people created.
“The challenge was a valuable opportunity for our young people to reflect and interpret a St John of God Health Care Value in an artistic and creative way,” she said.
“We were overwhelmed by the passion and dedication that the young people demonstrated during the project.”
Social Outreach State Manager Youth Services West Penny Bridges said part of the Horizon House Program was giving young people the opportunity to participate in fun and creative experiences that many may not have enjoyed as younger children.
“What we want, first and foremost, is for our young people to have fun, because they often haven’t had the chance to feel that simple enjoyment,” Penny said.
“It’s about giving them an opportunity to connect with other people and understanding that there are other young people in other houses in a similar situation as them.
“Experiences like this are also important because our young people learn about how to win and lose - it’s all part of life.”
Penny said the monthly challenges were also a valuable opportunity for all caregivers to see the world through the eyes and creativity of our young people.
The winning house will take home the highly coveted Horizon House Monkey Mascot.
The Horizon House WA Monthly Challenge, now in its third year, aims to help the young people with their independent learning skills development while learning to work together as a team to achieve a common goal.