Hope is what this kind of art is all about. "These pictures have a healing effect on our children," shares Christine Karungi, the grandmother of one 6-year-old malarial patient.

"As an artist, I feel compelled to do work that will bring about positive change in society and restore hope to those who need it," shares artist and volunteer worker, Nyx Martinez, of RadioActive Productions.

Mulago Hospital is the main government hospital in Kampala, where FCF Project RadioActive Productions is based. A visit to the pediatric ward reveals cribs, as many as could be squeezed in, lining the rooms. Parents and caretakers of sick children lie on mats on the floor in between the cribs; some huddle over their babies trying to quiet their screams. The frightened crying of babies and children attached to IV drips soon blend into a crescendo, which further contributes to an overall depressing atmosphere.

"Two American women doctors from the pediatric ward called, asking if I could visit to see how the conditions could be approved, perhaps through simple murals for the children", begins Nyx Martinez, a volunteer with RadioActive Productions. "They said they didn't have much funds to actually hire a painter, but when I told them I would be willing to do it free of charge provided they could sponsor the paints and materials, they were overjoyed."

"There were so many walls to paint that I called up different friends who had been interested in doing some hands-on volunteer work. The project took on a life of its own as we all came together in a united team effort to change this section of the ward."

Following are excerpts of what Uganda's leading daily published about the project:

"These pictures have a healing effect on our children. They are relaxing," said Christine Karungi, sitting by the bedside of her 6-year-old grandson who was admitted two weeks ago with severe malaria.

Staring down on Karungi and her sick grandson in bright colors is a newly painted mural. It shows an angel protectively watching over a sick child, who is lying on a hospital bed, surrounded by his family. The angel's strong wings depict protection while the boy's widely open eyes portray hope.

"As an artist, I feel compelled to do work that will bring about positive change in society and restore hope to those who need it," Martinez said.

This is not the kind of art that we usually see. But its power to heal and console the young cannot be underestimated.

For more, please click the following link: RadioActive Productions