Context & objectives
In the context of this programme, The Red Pencil is partnering with My School Pulse (MSP), an educational charity providing tutoring and emotional support to children diagnosed with long-term and life-threatening illnesses. The association has been operating under Lebanese Ministry of Interior since 29th June 2010, as a non-profit organization whose primary aim is to provide these children with the opportunity to continue their school education and engage in certain extracurricular activities while undergoing treatment. MSP works with around 100 children a year, aged between 4 and 18 years, who are under treatment from the 6 main hospitals in Beirut and Byblos.
For several years now, Lebanon has been experiencing a profound economic, financial, institutional and political crisis. Hospitals and other public services have been underfunded. The explosion in Beirut on 4th August 2020, which caused damage to 2 hospitals where MSP is present, but also the global coronavirus pandemic exacerbated that situation. The recent Middle East conflict has further wreaked havoc on children and adults alike. Besides, against a backdrop of worsening economic difficulties, the children taken care of by My School Pulse suffer the pain and losses associated with their illnesses. Through this art therapy programme, not only the children, but also their entire environment – parents, siblings and tutors, benefit from art therapy sessions that enable them to express their emotions through art, improve their mental health, strengthen their readiness and willingness to learn with their tutors and, ultimately, cope with their difficult situation and thrive.
Impact
Sick children, their siblings, their parents as well as children’s tutors have greatly benefitted from our programme, as the following extended testimonies show.
One of the parents further reports about the transformative power art therapy had on one of her children:
“Zaina, before starting her sessions with [the art therapist] used to not express her emotions, nor share her thoughts with anyone. I used to always read her emotions through her body language and behaviour. I would sense that something was wrong with Zaina, and I tried to ask her, but she was not responsive. I tried many approaches to get her to be less aloof, but she pushed me away. She frowned most of the time. Zaina, prior to her brother’s illness and other illnesses in the family, was a very happy, humorous, and joyful person. She was an amazing child. Dealing with health issues changed the atmosphere of the house and her personality. Her siblings are very compassionate towards me. If they saw me cry, they would comfort me, but Zaina would act indifferent towards me. No hugs, no kisses, no interaction about any matters, even school dynamics; and all my efforts to bring her closer to me and the family failed. I recognize that she only had a few sessions with [the art therapist], but these sessions changed her significantly in such a short period of time. Zaina began reaching out and initiating conversations with me daily. She started sharing with me what took place at school. The first time she initiated giving me a hug was after her first session with [the art therapist]. She came to me and hugged me and shared that [the art therapist] told her to listen to her feelings and wants, and when she felt the need to hug me, to just do so immediately. To my astonishment, she did so! This was the first step in Zaina’s healthy transition. Now, daily, she comes from school with many stories to share with me about her classes and classmates asking for my advice. I also get daily hugs and kisses. I wanted to share the significant, amazing changes that I have witnessed and experienced with Zaina since she started receiving [art therapy sessions]. Before she started working with [the art therapist], I was considering taking her to a mental health professional for help because I used to believe that my daughter was a mentally ill person who had no feelings, and no remorse. I thank [the art therapist] from the bottom of my heart. [She] brought joy into our home and hearts; and I hold her in the utmost regard. Many thanks for [her] help. I want [her] to know that not only does she have a special place in our home; but [she] holds the same precious place in our hearts.”
In addition, two mothers who took part in our group sessions testified in front of the camera about the positive effects group art therapy for parents had had for them. The video was published by our partner on Lebanese Mother’s Day.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1158063878977590
Partners
Our gratitude goes to Pro Victimis Foundation, Wallonie-Bruxelles International, Fondation Lama as well as Faber-Castell for their ongoing support and to our partner, My School Pulse for their trust.
