“In this painting, I placed myself at the center, and the two children beside me represent my past selves. Dewey has helped me become more proactive and realize that I can be an MC—that I’m capable of more than I once thought… And I’ve truly found the best version of myself here.”
These heartfelt words from Thanh Duong—a Grade 5 Lusaka student—shared during the opening of the exhibition “The Voice of Hands”, reflect the pure yet deeply expressive inner world of Grade 5 students at Dewey Cau Giay. They also affirm the core value of the exhibition: going beyond an interdisciplinary project between Literature and Visual Arts, it is a space where students can find their voice and share their unique perspectives.
Throughout a month of preparation, students didn’t simply learn how to use a paintbrush or write grammatically correct paragraphs. They learned to use art as a means of empathy and emotional expression. Each artwork invites viewers into authentic glimpses of their inner lives—from the courage to face the pressure of comparison, to reflections on balancing passion and fear, to hopeful letters written to their future selves ten years ahead. Here, art carries a beautiful mission: giving shape to unspoken emotions and helping students observe the world with kindness and compassion.
Witnessing these creations—carefully crafted and filled with emotion—many parents were deeply moved as they were able, perhaps for the first time, to truly “touch” their children’s inner worlds. Every tentative brushstroke and every carefully written line holds a quiet power of connection, allowing parents to better understand and appreciate their children’s thoughts and dreams. When hands and hearts speak together, art becomes the most sincere language for each student to affirm their individuality.
Dewey believes that every student is a unique individual with limitless potential waiting to be unlocked. It is hoped that beyond this exhibition, each student will continue to nurture observant eyes and creative hands—confidently writing the next chapters of their lives with their own distinctive identity. The spirit of the exhibition will remain a warm flame, reminding them to cherish their best selves and to keep spreading positive values to the community.
The exhibition “The Voice of Hands” is on display at Dewey Cau Giay from March 20 to March 27, 2026. Parents and kindred spirits are warmly invited to visit and listen to the heartfelt “stories told by hands” from these Grade 5 students.
