A glimpse into the boundless imagination of a budding artist amid isolation: the worlds of Eben.
Fifty drawings revealing resilience, optimism and aspirations under challenging times can be found in the pages of “In the Shadow of Laindatang”.
Amid the extreme poverty of Laindatang, a village deprived of necessities, 13-year-old Eben shines as an emblem of hope and innovation. Over the past year and a half, we at the Fair Future Foundation have dedicated ourselves to revitalizing this community through initiatives like #PrimaryMedicalCare, #WaterConnections and #ZeroMalaria – providing access to clean water while fighting deadly diseases such as malaria.
In this region marked by profound scarcity, Eben’s talents are all the rarer in a place where modern luxuries like electricity or the internet seem like mythological concepts to others otherwise forgotten without our help.
Eben’s world remains unaffected by the flickering of television screens or the limitless reach of cyberspace, demonstrating an unwavering strength fueled only by imagination—his artistic ingenuity springs from cutouts from magazines and perhaps from souvenirs during excursions to the Waingapu market. Although polio struck him as a child and stole his feet, Eben’s hands tell stories of bustling terrains teeming with creatures he encounters in his sleep – a stark contradiction to waking reality each day.
Eben’s creations are more than just drawings; they provide insight into one’s free soul despite physical and environmental limitations. His life embodies the struggle for survival faced by every resident of Laindatang, who is deprived of necessities such as water, food, and sanitation. Nonetheless, Eben depicts a different narrative through his art – depicting Laindatang in all its glory with vibrant hues, vitality and abundant opportunities.
The fact that he fulfils both the duties of an artist and a caregiver to his family highlights a complex reality: in Laindatang, many children do not have the means to live out their childhood because they prioritize survival. Despite the difficulties, this boy’s dedication to his family shows how the human spirit can persevere through difficult times.
Through Eben’s eyes, we see not just the challenges of Laindatang but the profound strength and beauty that adversity can unveil. His art is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, reminding us that hope can flourish even in the most desolate places.” – Alex Wettstein, CEO and Founder, Fair Future.
Eben’s tale is not only a source of inspiration; this is an urgent call to action. It reveals the harsh realities of existence in Laindatang, where every moment is a battle against adversity. Over the past 18 months, our efforts have been to directly confront these brutal truths and work to create change beyond mere subsistence – change that nourishes a society in which children like Eben can pursue their dreams with serenity and triumph over obstacles.
We aim to share Eben’s story to spark discussion about the severe challenges facing Laindatang and other similar communities. This story grabs our attention not only because of its astonishing depiction of perseverance but also because of the immediate help it requires. Through his aspirations and works, Eben embodies latent abilities that flourish under challenging circumstances, compelling us to design and pursue a world where children are not forced to choose between their hobbies or necessities.
Rather than seeking sympathy, this story is a call to action. It’s proof that when we come together, our shared efforts can spark change and bring light to the darkest corners of society. We offer Eben and those who share his experiences hope for a better future filled with potential and ingenuity.
Join us on our journey on YouTube and Instagram to delve deeper into Eben’s life and artistry. Thank you with all our hearts.
- You can watch this video on YouTube, in which Eben draws.
- You can watch this video on YouTube, where Eben helps his family at home.
- See this related post on Instagram here.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 1st of April 2024
Eben, 13 years old from Laindatatang, draws the world according to him…
Eben’s Worlds: A Journey into the Boundless Imagination of a Young Artist from the Heart of Isolation
Beyond the Shadows of Laindatang: A Moving Collection of Fifty Drawings Unveiling the Strength, Hope, and Dreams of a Child Facing Adversity.
Eben, a 13-year-old boy, lives in Laindatang, a village where the Fair Future Foundation has been working for almost two years through its #WaterConnections and #ZeroMalaria initiatives. Our efforts here aim to provide clean water, combat malaria, and improve the lives of local residents. Amid these challenges, Eben stands out, a young boy whose talent and creativity transcend the hardships of his everyday life.
In this village, where there is no electricity, running water, toilets, or Internet, Eben has never watched television or browsed YouTube. His world is fueled entirely by his boundless imagination, sparked by magazines he picks up while returning from the market in Waingapu. Despite the difficulties he faces, including the impact of polio, which took away the use of his feet at a young age, Eben found solace and expression through drawing.
His artwork, filled with vivid animals, lush nature, and idyllic landscapes, reveals a world bursting with color and life—a striking contrast to the challenges he faces daily. Eben is not just a child from a remote village; he is living proof that the human spirit can rise above the harshest circumstances through creativity and resilience.
“Eben’s art is a powerful reminder that talent, hope, and resilience can flourish even in the most remote and challenging places.” – Alex Wettstein, CEO Fair Future Foundation
In addition to his passion for drawing, Eben supports his family in an environment where access to water, nutrition, and sanitation is never guaranteed. His story underscores the urgency of our projects in Laindatang and other similar regions.
Eben’s drawings are more than just pictures; behind every line and stroke lies a deep story of struggle, resilience, and hope. By sharing Eben’s journey, we seek to shed light on the challenges faced by the people of Laindatang while celebrating the indomitable spirit of those like Eben, who find joy, talent, and hope for a better future through their creativity.
Eben’s story reminds us of the importance of supporting and investing in communities to improve access to vital resources while recognizing and nurturing unique talents. It is a call to action, showing that our commitment can open up a world of possibilities for Eben and countless other children like him.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 28th of March 2024
