Everything Under The Sun: Little Bits Of Normality For Refugees From Syria

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Little Bits Of Normality For Refugees From Syria

Some of the children working on their activity books.

Syrian children haven't had very much to smile about over the last few years. Many of their families have been displaced as wars are fought right on their doorsteps. And even when these families move to a place that they believe to be out of harm's way, the fighting seems to pursue them, placing them again in the middle of armed conflict.

An American, Jean Bradbury, met some of these refugee children in their sanctuary in Jordan back in 2013, where she was teaching them about art. After providing the instruction, she noticed that none of the children had any supplies to continue art activities in their family's tents.

Ms. Bradbury was already running STUDIO SYRIA, based in Seattle, an organization that is helping to provide arts and crafts activities, along with educational opportunities, to Syrian refugees living in Jordan. Although Jordan has provided a certain amount of safety for the refugees, they aren't recognized as Jordanian citizens, so are denied opportunities for education. Many were also traumatized by what they have observed during the conflict, so art provides a way to express their feelings and find ways to cope.

To address the issue of lack of activity supplies, Ms. Bradbury developed an activity book in the children's language. The book contained math problems and reading activities, along with art projects. The cover was mostly blank and provided a place for children to draw themselves. These were added into a kit of supplies that contained colored pencils, extra paper, and pencil sharpeners.

Her pilot project provided enough supplies for 400 kits. These were given away at camps along the roadside, in fields, and in the middle of cities. The reviews by the kids were enthusiastic. According to Jean, "The need is enormous. The smiles on the faces of the children receiving their books and pencils was moving."

A girl colors a peaceful picture with markers.

The enormity of war in Syria has only added more individuals affected, children and adults. Studio Syria is still one of those organizations reaching out to provide relief and a means to express the pain of their suffering. Their booklets and workshops are providing drops of education to children who have no identity within the countries in which they have received shelter. Every bit is very important to these families and children touched so dramatically by war. They deserve our compassion, not our anger and misjudgments.