Professional artists with the Dutch-based Art for All Foundation came to Gulu, Uganda, to encourage 250 former child soldiers to move beyond their painful past and create the village of their dreams through art.

Terror and brute force are the norms for children like Richard Otema, 11, who are abducted by the rebel Lord's Resistance Army. Their captors have murdered many; others have died in battle or succumbed to disease or mishap. Only a few like Richard have been lucky enough to escape. The village of Richard's dreams is a place where there is peace enough for children to have the time to play with birds.

Art workshops are part of the treatment process offered to children like Richard at the World Vision Children of War Rehabilitation Centre in Gulu. After two weeks of painting, the former child soldiers, some of them wearing their artistic creations, marched through the streets of Gulu and then unveiled their works to the public. Speeches and prayers for peace concluded the parade.

The Art for All Foundation tries to conduct its art workshops in conjunction with World Vision programs. By working with World Vision, the artists ensure the children are well cared for after their work is over.

Art for All founder Wil van der Weele hopes the children in northern Uganda will one day be free to spread their wings and soar - just like the birds in Richard's paintings.