Northern Ireland

Bangor artist Natalie Smillie in project for Syrian child refugees

Natalie Smillie's sketch shows a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise"
Natalie Smillie's sketch shows a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise" Natalie Smillie's sketch shows a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise"

A BANGOR-based artist has joined a group of European children’s book illustrators for a scheme aiming to give hope to young Syrian refugees.

The European Union and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have organised the project which depicts the importance of everyday objects in providing security and comfort to displaced children.

From a teddy bear to a toothbrush, or a pair of shoes, the playful images seek to provide these children with a momentary escape from reality.

Co Down illustrator Natalie Smillie was one of 12 artists from across the EU to contribute to the project.

"When the EU and WFP reached out, I was really happy to provide a sketch that shows how important something like a bath time routine is for children," Ms Smillie said.

Estonian-born illustrator Aleksei Bitskoff's drawings show children engrossed in their favourite books
Estonian-born illustrator Aleksei Bitskoff's drawings show children engrossed in their favourite books Estonian-born illustrator Aleksei Bitskoff's drawings show children engrossed in their favourite books

"We want that stability for our children in Northern Ireland just like Syrian refugee parents want that in Turkey - it's a universal thing, really. As a new mum myself, this really hit home."

The children's book illustrator’s sketch focuses on a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise".

Other artists involved in the project include Belgian artist Hanneke Supply and Estonian-born Aleksei Bitskoff.

Martin Penner of the UN World Food Programme said: "All parents, regardless of geography, want to provide their children with stability - with consistency and routine.

"Food and shelter are important but there are so many things that kids need that we tend to forget."

Natalie Smillie's sketch shows a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise"
Natalie Smillie's sketch shows a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise" Natalie Smillie's sketch shows a rubber duck bath toy which "serves as gateway to an underwater paradise"