Last week, Lion Encounter partnered with local organization Art of Africa and local artist Khulekani Masuku to execute an arts workshop at the Victoria Falls Old People’s Home – hopefully the first of many to come in the future.   Lion Encounter and its’ partners African Impact and ALERT assist weekly at the senior’s center, which houses a number of elderly members of the Victoria Falls community. This most recent effort combines our program aimed at improving the lives of the elderly there with forms of stimulation proven to have health benefits for seniors.   Our project and volunteer coordinators joined our volunteers at an arts workshop aimed at creating a safe space for the elderly to interact and freely express themselves through art. Recent research has proven that art has a wide range of health benefits including the reduction of depression and anxiety, which can be symptomatic of chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.   Our team, members of the home, as well as visiting church members, all got their hands dirty as local artist led a African warrior art finger painting tutorial.  The liberating concept of finger painting had everyone in giggles, as a flashback of a childhood sensation filled the hall.   Art of Africa founder Kimberly Sparrow and artist Khulekani Masuku inspired the seniors, who all beautifully fabricated their own portrayal of an African warrior, with the assistance of our team. The results were astounding and the smiles were heartwarming. Gogo Maposa, who recently turned 103 years old, proudly unveiled a brightly coloured piece of artwork, managing to create it without too much assistance thanks to the imaginative use of fingers as an art medium.   We look forward to many more team efforts with Art of Africa and their local artists as we plan future recyclable arts workshops, and further creatively therapeutic interactions.   Read more about how we assist numerous community initiatives here.[iscmd_ytv]