The office for Special Envoy for Women and Children and Global Ambassador for Special Olympics - First Lady Kim Simplis Barrow- launched the second annual Children's Art Calendar at the House of Culture this morning.

Even though Barrow couldn't be present since she is away undergoing breast cancer treatment in the United States, she requested that the event go on with her.

The children's art calendar - inspired by young Belizean Minds - features art work from 12 Belizean children with disabilities.

Judith Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Human Development
"At this morning's event the launch of the inspiration calendar and agenda is an effort by the special envoys' office. The special envoy for women and children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow."

"Mrs. Barrow as we know is out of the country dealing with health issues, but she felt very strongly that this event really must go on, this is the second time that this calendar is being launched and now the efforts has been expanded with inclusion of an agenda, and what it is it's really - it feathers the art work of children with different abilities, children who are clients of Care Belize, who are special Olympics athletes and one child that was approached independently, but they are all special needs children."

"It really is an attempt to foster understanding and tolerance, the theme for the calendar and agenda is "Peace" and the art work features the children's interpretation of what peace means to them so it is really an excellent insight into their own thinking into what they desire for Belize because a lot of that has themes of what they would like to see their society be like."

"It is a great way to foster understanding of this group of children for - there is sometimes very unfairly and unfortunately a lot of stigma and discrimination surrounding persons with disabilities, that persons with disabilities really experience in their daily life and this kind of event and the art work and efforts really helps us to see the potential all that these children has to offer and the fact that they have different abilities, different talents and that they are very much, they very much have the potential to be productive, active members of the society on a whole. We just need to really provide the kind of space and environment for that to happen."

The calendars are not being sold, but if you are interested in getting a copy, you can visit the office of the Special Envoy.

Channel 7