The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon organized an art therapy session for children at the Chancery as a culminating activity for National Children’s Month on 30 November 2023. This activity is in line with this year’s theme, i.e., “Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All.”

A total of 24 children, with ages ranging from 5 to 13 years old, participated in the session along with their parents. The activity began with a photo opportunity with the Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, as he welcomed the parents and children to the chancery.

Photo: H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat (center) and Philippine Embassy personnel with the Filipino-Lebanese children and their parents to support the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

The event also coincided with the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) campaign in line with Republic Act 9262. This initiative reflects the Embassy’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for children while addressing the critical issues of violence prevention and awareness, especially among women migrant workers in Lebanon.

 Photos: Ms. Rola Souheil, a community engagement expert and IOM consultant, facilitated the art therapy workshop for the children.

The art therapy session consisted of five different activities for the children to express their creativity and be relieved from stress and anxiety. They started with a warm-up game where they formed a big circle to get the children energized and excited for the next activities. After which, they did a “mirror exercise”. They first imitated the facilitator's movements and second, they imitated each other’s movements. These exercises aim to develop their mindfulness and observational skills and encourage a sense of partnership with other people.

Photos: Filipino-Lebanese children actively participated during the art therapy session and post-activity processing.

The exercises were followed up by an art activity where the children were provided with masks where they were instructed to draw an emotion they express openly and an emotion that they keep hidden. Once done, the children were encouraged to share the meaning behind their artwork. The activity not only provides an avenue for the kids to practice and showcase their creativity but it also promotes empathy and open communication among them.

Photos: Mothers of the Filipino-Lebanese children answer a short survey concerning their understanding of the Anti-VAWC campaign.

The Embassy’s commitment to the promotion of the rights and welfare of children in celebration of the National Children’s Month and Anti-VAWC campaign is manifested through meaningful activities that uphold their mental health and encourage the nurturing of a sense of empathy among their peers. The Embassy empowers children to contribute to a society where violence has no place.

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