Recovery for the Whole Family

Following the bombing of Mar Elias Church in Damascus, many Christian families were left struggling with fear, grief, and the emotional consequences of an attack on their community. For children and parents alike, the sense of safety they once found in their homes and community had been deeply shaken. Shai Fund provided psychosocial support that addressed not only the needs of children, but the well-being of entire families.

Finding Safety Beyond the Home

Mariam and Rita live with their mother, Nadia. In the months following the bombing, fear and anxiety had become part of their daily lives. Leaving the house, even to visit relatives, had become difficult. For Nadia, enrolling her daughters in the project was an important step toward helping them overcome their fear and reconnect with the world around them.

Through drawing, theater, dance, and other creative activities, Mariam and Rita gradually became more comfortable expressing themselves and interacting with others. Their smiles became more frequent, and their confidence began to grow. The project provided a safe environment where they could participate freely, build friendships, and begin to process their experiences.

But the support did not stop with the children. Nadia also participated in activities designed to help caregivers process their own experiences, strengthen their parenting skills, and better understand their children's emotional needs.

One of the family's most meaningful experiences was a three-day overnight camp. Together, they played, danced, sang, and laughed, sharing moments of happiness that had been missing from their lives. For Nadia, it was an opportunity to reconnect with her daughters and rediscover the joy of simply spending time together.

Art for Everyone

As the project progressed, the changes became visible beyond the activities themselves. Nadia grew more confident that her daughters could participate in community life in a safe and supportive environment. At home, she noticed that they were happier, more engaged, and more comfortable interacting with others.

Mariam and Rita also developed stronger social relationships and greater confidence. Their progress reflected the project's broader approach: helping children recover while equipping parents to support that recovery and creating opportunities for families to rebuild their relationships.

Through art-based psychosocial support, caregiver counseling, and shared family activities, the initiative reached 34 children and 17 caregivers affected by the bombing.

The recovery of a family extends beyond any single activity or counseling session. By bringing children and caregivers into the healing process together, Shai Fund helped families regain a sense of connection, trust, and emotional safety.

For Mariam, Rita, and Nadia, art therapy offered more than a place to begin healing. It gave them opportunities to experience joy together again and take steps toward a more secure and connected family life.