Low-cost airline carriers (LCCs) have had a major effect on most of the world’s continents. Following the pattern of Southwest Airlines in the United States, budget carriers in Europe, Asia and even the Middle East – where it was popularly believed that travelers would equate low prices with low quality and take on low cost airlines – have opened up new horizons to millions of people.
Hospitalisation can be difficult for anyone, but especially so for children. The often cold and confusing environments aren’t particular conducive to making kids feel welcomed; not to mention the fact that children are often in the hospital due to an ailment of some sort. Art for Charity, an NGO with offices in America and Ethiopia, is hoping to change the environment for children by painting paediatric wards with bright, colourful murals in order to liven the atmosphere. Physicians and artists say that the artwork has helped to improve the overall mood of the patients who spend time in the ward. EBR’s Meseret Mamo spoke with the NGO’s Ethiopia director, artists, and physicians to learn more about the program and the services they provide for kids in need.
