Art with Syrian Refugees: The Za'atari Project

This project uses interpersonal communication and art to give voice to refugee children who are often forgotten about in the barrage of news stories about the Syrian war. It intends to connect these kids to positive adult role models and involve them in educational and creative activities, thereby playing a role in the rebuilding of their communities. For many, this is the only organised educational programme they are involved in. The art itself features positive messages and uplifting imagery.

This initiative emphasises the participation of local artists with the goal of continuing this work in the future. One such artist and educator is Yusra Ali, a Palestinian woman who lives in Mufraq, the town right outside the camp. A lover of art and of working with children, she has led arts and education workshops outside of the project as well. Another participant was Ali Kiwan, a Syrian artist and resident of Za'atari who specialises in classic Arabesque patterns. He collaborated on many murals, combining the traditional patterns with aerosol painting and children's art. Together, Ali and Joel engaged children like the so-called "wheelbarrow boys", who use their wheelbarrows to smuggle goods into the camp, where they are sold on the black market. These kids are not in school and the work is dangerous. To get them involved in positive and educational activities, the project facilitators conducted wheelbarrow-painting workshops. The painting was combined with a variety of other educational activities and mural-making.

Children, Youth, Refugees

The Za'atari Camp is the world's second-largest refugee camp, with approximately 100,000 residents. "With practically no plant or animal life and endless rows of beige tents and caravans, Za'atari is a harsh land of dust storms, heat and blindingly bright sunlight. Lives are on hold and official work is prohibited. Fortunately, Syrians have been greeted by international humanitarian organizations that provide food, shelter, medical care and other basic services. But what about education, jobs, activities for youth, poverty and mental health issues?....There are few structured activities for youth in Za'atari to engage in, and many receive substandard education or do not go to school at all."