The Freedom Theatre today concluded a one-week art workshop for children and youth with special needs. This workshop is one of a kind in the region and targets a group that is marginalised in our society, enabling these young people to be creative and discover new interests and talents. The sessions have included many activities, including drawing, painting, using playdo, imagination exercises, films and short stories.
The art workshop has been run by Etab Haroon and Majd Sanore, both volunteers with the multimedia team at the theatre. Etab and Majd came up with the idea of the workshop and they are very happy with the support they received from The Freedom Theatre. “This workshop is unique in that it combines drawing and painting with physiotherapy”, says Majd, who is a specialist in physiotherapy. “I hope we can continue to enable these children and youth to be more involved in the community. They have many talents and interests that we can help them develop further.”
“I have learned a lot from this workshop with the kids”, says Majd. It’s a wonderful experience that has benefitted me on a personal level. These young people are no less than any of us; they have many qualities and capabilities.”
One of the participants is Loay, 14 years old, from Jenin refugee camp. Due to complications at birth, Loay has special needs. His family lives under difficult conditions and Loay had to leave school at the age of 13. He started working in a food store but faced a lot of problems from costumers because of his condition and he stopped working. During the workshop at The Freedom Theatre his interest in drawing has been apparent and the facilitators have noticed how he has developed his skills day after day.
The workshop concluded with an exhibition at The Freedom Theatre. The exhibition was opened by multimedia coordinator Mohammed Moawiya who thanked all who had contributed to the success of this workshop, from the staff at the theatre who made the workshop happen through their private contributions to the facilitators who ran the workshop voluntarily, and the parents of the children and youth. The facilitator Etab Haroon expressed her happiness with the achievements of the participants and noted that they had made significant development in their drawing skills during this week. The workshop has also had a major effect on their self-confidence.
Mustafa Sheta, The Freedom Theatre’s general secretary, stressed the need for The Freedom Theatre to continue working with this group to empower them and help them to engage more in the community.