The youth programme will provide sessions to build skills and self confidence, using facilities such as a darkroom and a pottery kiln. This will enable young people to create artwork that they can showcase in Diaosu's exhibition space to friends, family and the wider world.

Outcomes and lessons

From May 2012 to early 2013, Diaosu drew on our support for a wide range of activities, including :

• assisting a young person to attend oil painting and photography classes

• helping with their rent and other business costs

• the purchase of a wide variety of art supplies and office equipment

These purchases brought in additional income both to Diaosu as a social enterprise, and to several of the young people they support.

Diaosu noted that many of the young people who have made contact with them "have been at a point of crisis in their lives", and that working on these art projects built self-confidence. Diaosu added, "it was empowering for them to seek their own solution to their needs".

Other updates on the work of Diaosu can be found on their website here. They have been busy !

Everyone involved with Diaosu is to be congratulated for their excellent progress in the last year.