Arts and Crafts for Children Got Started at UNHCR Ankara Office
Arts and Crafts for Children Got Started at UNHCR Ankara Office
Story, August 27, 2012
An arts and crafts workshop for refugee children started at UNHCR Ankara office. This initiative which has been put forward by a group of UNHCR volunteers was favorably received by both the children and their families.
The aim of this workshop is to turn children's waiting time at UNHCR into a joyful experience while promoting voluntarism among United Nations Volunteers (UNVs).
In each session, children from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia will get to do a variety of activities including, handprints crafts, paper crafts, art projects, homemade toys and more!. Arts sessions will be organized twice a month on a regular basis.
On Wednesday 15th of August, the fourth workshop was carried out at the garden and kids loved getting involved in such fun projects. One of the children, who attended the workshop ‘Mahra’, stated that “Usually, I get bored while waiting for the next interview but today I do not want to leave!”. Once she was done with her piece of art she also said she would like to continue painting and already reserved a canvas and wrote her name behind for next time. In fact, so far all children have demonstrated great enthusiasm and are eager to express their creativity in any form.
Art supplies and a small grant to support this project have been kindly provided by UNHCR and UNV Program Officer respectively. Also thanks to the participation of translators and good willing hands everything so far has ran smoothly.
Having fun is a cornerstone of childhood, and its value should be encouraged.
By Betty Artuç