Ashfaq Ishaq
Founder
International Child Art Foundation
Washington, DC USA
“You are here on this planet to do something unique. So, why do you expect that everyone else will understand and be supportive? ”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationAshfaq Ishaq
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Grew up in a "privileged" family in Pakistan; had a comfortable childhood, excellent schooling.
Knew that he was lucky; all around him was a country in abject poverty.
Kept hearing "economics has the answers" to poverty; moved to the U.S. to study economics, worked at the World Bank.
Participated in research that found a "creativity slump" in fourth-graders; schools had trouble motivating, inspiring children at that age.
Realized poverty isn't just a bureaucratic issue; knew that giving at-risk kids creative outlets would help them down the line.
Started International Child Art Foundation in 1997; had trouble getting funding, found people hesitant to give to creative causes.
Says people still ask him why he works in child's art when he was a Ph.D., tells him to "grow up"; he maintains that this is his unique calling.
Keep following my journey
Education
Career
Founder
I help foster creativity and develop empathy in children through children's art programs and festivals.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Non-Profit Organizations
Problem Solving
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation Immigrant
Interviewed By
Washington, D.C. - New York City
While in Washington, D.C., the Roadtrippers head over to the International Child Art Foundation's headquarters to meet with its founder, Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq. He tells them about the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds. Then the team moves on to the popular D.C.-based restaurant Busboys and Poets to speak with its owner, Andy Shallal. The Roadtrippers hear about learning from failures, and they leave feeling uplifted. From there, they fly back to Chicago to pick up the Green RV from the mechanic to hit the road to New York. In New York City, they meet with dance legend Judith Jamison and catch a performance at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Central Park.
