Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation, in collaboration with Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, established the Philip Craig Arts Program (PCAP) at HAS. This exciting arts education and sports program was designed to aid and train people with physical disabilities of all ages in rehabilitation integrated arts and sports while teaching them marketable skills for the future. Located at the Hanger Clinic at HAS, the project offers a forum for the physically disabled community of Haiti to use art therapy and expression as a conduit to learn trades to generate income for themselves and their families and to continue and promote the rich heritage of Caribbean arts of all varieties.
Many PCAP participants are amputees as a result of the earthquake, who have received new prosthetics at HAS. During the initial weeks of PCAP, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of color, line, light and shade. Using basic art materials – paint, paintbrushes and canvas – the PCAP participants designed numerous public health signs and murals which integrated literacy and arts skills into a large scale community project.
Also included in everyday events at PCAP are group sports and physical therapy. The group sports sessions build self esteem while teaching the patients how to move with their new prosthetics. This process exemplifies another aspect of the holistic care provided to patients at HAS. It is this natural support system that evolves from playing sports and creating art programs together with other amputees.
Music has become another very important component in terms of the healing therapy that is provided through the PCAP. On January 12, 2011 HAS hosted a remembrance ceremony focusing on hope and restored mobility for many of the earthquake–related amputees. There, PCAP members who had formed a band performed their songs for the guests, all of which they wrote themselves. The song themes touched on the need to respect people with handicaps, and to prevent transmitting cholera to others by washing hands and treating drinking water. Several of the members of the group, which had chosen the stage name of “Prestige”, are amputees or physically disabled.
Many patients, volunteers and staff involved with PCAP have already expressed how much this opportunity has meant to them.