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
