Summary

Palestinian children in 96 UNRWA schools face daily trauma from violence, displacement, and loss, severely impacting their education and wellbeing. ASHTAR Theatre provides drama-based interventions to offer psycho-social relief, helping children express emotions, build resilience, and regain agency through storytelling and movement. By working with UNRWA Schools teachers, we ensure lasting impact, fostering emotional healing, educational re-engagement, and community rebuilding.

Challenge

Palestinian lives continue to be lost on a mass scale, and the psychological toll is immeasurable. The psycho-social wellbeing of especially children is severely compromised. Many children in UNRWA refugee camp schools in the West Bank and in Jerusalem face daily stressors, including displacement, loss, and violence, all of which hinder their capacity to engage in education. It can manifest in higher dropout rates, reduced academic achievement, and an increased risk of social isolation.

Solution

To address this, ASHTAR Theatre implements drama-based interventions in UNRWA schools, using theatre as a tool for psycho-social relief and adaptation. Our sessions provide a safe space for children to process their experiences, express emotions, and rebuild resilience through storytelling, role-playing, and movement. These creative methods help students regain a sense of agency, improve communication skills, and foster emotional healing.

Long-Term Impact

By equipping children with creative tools for self-expression, emotional regulation, and collective healing, these interventions help restore confidence, communication skills, and a sense of agency. In the long run, our students are more likely to develop emotional resilience, re-engage with education, and become active participants in rebuilding their communities. Additionally, UNRWA teachers and school staff are equipped with techniques to support students' and their own long-term wellbeing.