Healing with Art and Music: Nablus' Refugee Youth

Drama classes serve as a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing, especially for children who have endured the hardships of displacement.

In Nablus, like many other regions in Palestine, the history of conflict lingers in the daily lives of refugee children. Burdened with intergenerational trauma and threatened by the ongoing violence, these children often struggle with identifying and managing their emotions. Amidst the current crisis, drama classes at TYO equip students with skills to face the challenges of their daily lives with resilience. "When I watch what's happening in Gaza on TV, it makes me really sad, and it affects me negatively. Doing drama activities helps me feel better and deal with these tough times in a positive way" shared Ahmad, who is one of the children in our classes who is 9 years old and from the Old City.

Through role-playing, storytelling, and creative expression, drama classes at TYO provide a safe space for children to process their experiences, express their emotions, and develop a sense of community which is crucial for their mental well-being. By offering an opportunity for children to share their feelings they also bond with each other, building a network of support that extends beyond the classroom. "My classmate Yousef and I used to argue a lot, all the time. But when we participated in drama class together, we became close friends" shared Muhammad, a 9 year old participant from Balata refugee camp.

As the Fall 2023 programs come to an end, it is crucial to reflect on the situation that the country has been under for the past 2 months and acknowledge the stress children have been under. At TYO, much more than the development of individual skills, the drama classes have helped combat the feeling of isolation, and have fostered a sense of belonging among the students. "My character in the play was the good clown, and I felt very happy when I saw my classmates around me laughing, so I started laughing with them,” remarked Yousef, a 9 year old participant from Balata refugee camp.

This creative atmosphere has been an essential tool in healing trauma and fostering imagination. Drama classes at TYO are a special place where children can express themselves, see the world in a bigger way, and dream of a better future: "I want to further develop my talent and one day become a set designer for theater and cinema” shared Ahmad. Donors like you have made it possible for children to play and dream during some of the most difficult times.