Lebanon’s war-affected children find solace in creative workshops

New initiative provides art therapy to help young survivors cope with trauma and rebuild resilience

SAHEL AL-MAIDNA, Lebanon (MNTV) — A coalition of artists, educators, and activists has launched a series of art therapy workshops aimed at supporting children affected by the ongoing war in Southern Lebanon.

The initiative, Comfort and Arts, seeks to provide a creative and therapeutic space for young survivors struggling with psychological trauma.

The workshops, set to run from Feb. 8 to March 1 at the Satiha meeting space in Sahel al-Maidna, will take place every Saturday.

According to the Arabic daily Al Akhbaar, the program is specifically designed for children aged 8 to 15, giving them an artistic outlet to process their experiences and emotions in a safe environment.

Leading the sessions is a team of renowned Lebanese artists, including musician Ali Sabbah, Beirut Film Institute founder and filmmaker Bashir Ou Zeid, multimedia artist Eilat Qnaizah, and filmmaker Abbas Hamza.

Their diverse expertise ensures that children will be exposed to a variety of artistic mediums, from music and painting to film and mixed media. The goal is not only to nurture artistic talent but also to facilitate healing through self-expression.

Organizers stress the importance of such interventions in the wake of war, where children are often the most vulnerable. Many young participants have witnessed destruction and loss firsthand, leaving them in a state of perpetual distress.

Through guided artistic exercises, the workshops aim to help them channel their emotions, rebuild confidence, and regain a sense of normalcy.

“Art has the power to heal and transform,” said Ou Zeid, emphasizing that creative expression offers an essential psychological refuge for children affected by war.

“By giving them a space to express what they cannot say in words, we hope to alleviate some of their emotional burdens and help them find hope again.”

Parents and caregivers in the region have welcomed the initiative, with many expressing gratitude for a program that acknowledges the emotional toll of war on children. “My son has not been the same since the bombings,” said Fatima Haidar, a mother of two.

“He barely speaks about his feelings, but I see a change in him when he paints. These workshops are a blessing.”

The initiative highlights the role of cultural and humanitarian efforts in post-war recovery, underscoring the importance of mental health support for children in conflict zones. Organizers hope that Comfort and Arts will inspire similar projects across Lebanon and beyond, ensuring that young survivors of war have access to healing through creativity.