According to UNHCR, 2.5 million children are currently displaced inside Syria.
Children displaced by war and conflict are left to cope with trauma and uncertainty from a young age – a heavy burden to bear. High levels of stress can manifest in the form of depression, fear, or aggressive behavior.
Blumont’s team creates opportunities for young people to express their emotions and fears in a healthy way while developing new skills. Art classes provide an important outlet where children can work through trauma in a supportive environment.
Children portray personal stories, childhood memories, and hopes for the future through their work. Paint and pencils help take what they are worried about and get it out on paper, where trained staff can help them process experiences.
Hussein’s painting expresses the feelings of loss and sadness he sees as families are separated when they flee from the war.
Another young boy portrayed his journey of displacement, with his family carrying their belongings in search of a new home and a better future.
Gawdat, one of the trainers who leads the children’s art classes, drew a picture of the difficult journey he and his family endured as they fled their home in Syria with their belongings, having no money for food or water.
While fleeing his home, Hussein and his family once went three days without food. His painting portrays the joy he felt when he finally ate his first meal after being hungry for days. Having experienced the feeling of severe hunger, Hussein is now thankful for the organizations that make sure refugees are fed each day.
Abeer drew a photo representing life at the camp and how it can often be noisy outside. In the center of the drawing, she portrays a time when a fire started in the camp and a Blumont-trained team was able to put it out. It was a scary moment for her, but she was glad that everyone was safe in the end.
Growing up, Mustafa loved playing outside in front of his home. Now living in a camp with no designated children’s play areas, Mustafa drew a picture of a playground that he hopes is built one day near his family’s tent for him and his friends to play together.
Mohammad drew a picture of his favorite childhood character, Masha, that he used to watch growing up. His favorite thing about her is her mischievous personality and her ability to find new ways to have fun even in tough circumstances.
The children have the opportunity to showcase their work at exhibits, where camp residents and staff can admire and even purchase the paintings. Proceeds from sales go to the children and their families to help purchase household needs.
