With the kind support of Bürgerstiftung Stuttgart and Jugendhaus Möhringen, Evgenia Nosova from UAKS has set herself the task of bringing children from war zones into contact with art.
The aim of the project is to offer children and adults who have fled the war a safe space in which they can paint, do handicrafts, dance and create clay figures.
The weekly workshops are led by teachers who are refugees themselves. Through their own experiences, they are able to build an unrivalled connection with the children. Their ability to help the children express themselves through artistic expression is at the heart of this initiative.
The benefits of this project are many and impressive. Firstly, it offers the children a meaningful and therapeutic activity that helps them to deal with the traumatic experiences and uncertainty that come with fleeing a war zone. In addition, this work also encourages their creativity and skills. The workshops also offer the children the opportunity to feel part of a community and to exchange ideas with like-minded people. They learn to work together and share their experiences and feelings with each other. This can be crucial in building trust and friendships, which are invaluable in such a difficult situation.
The project also offers benefits for the refugee teachers. It allows them to utilise their skills and talents while making a valuable contribution to the community. Teaching also allows them to process their own experiences, which can lead to improved emotional health and a stronger sense of self-efficacy.
The project also makes an important contribution to the integration of Ukrainian refugees. Through active participation in the workshops and contact with the local community, prejudices can be broken down and understanding and acceptance promoted.