Creative Expressions: Empowering Children with Disabilities in Baghdad

IRAQ, Baghdad – “Yasin can’t stop talking about the artwork he made at this workshop,” shares Liqa, mother of 15-year-old Yasin, who has vision impairment. “He is so proud of what he did”. The mother-son duo participated in a workshop in Baghdad that brought together children with disabilities, and their parents, for a day filled with creative expression through art and English as a second language, and understanding how to provide emotional support during times of stress. Organized by the International Organization from Migration (IOM) in Iraq, the workshop is part of a broader program aimed at enhancing the social well-being of children with disabilities and equipping them with skills for future careers.

“He rarely goes out of the house; the environment is not very encouraging in our neighborhood” adds Liqa during a break between the activities. “But today, Yasin is happy”.  

The workshop was a lively gathering where 22 children with disabilities and their caregivers engaged in creating art pieces with clay – a therapeutic way to express oneself in tactile way. Facilitators and trainers guided the children through their artistic endeavors, encouraging them to explore their imaginations and creativity.

Ruqaya, the mother of 18-year-old Zahra, who has vision impairment, expressed her gratitude for the activity: “Persons with disabilities also need some entertainment like this every now and then. We can’t expect them to study and stay at home all the time”.

Alongside crafting artwork, the workshop featured introductory sessions on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Trainers introduced breathing exercises designed to relieve stress and conducted games that fostered better communication between the children and their caregivers. These activities were carefully crafted to create a supportive environment where children and their parents could bond and develop essential social skills.

Zahra, who will enter university next year, was keen to engage with IOM staff specialized in providing mental health and psychosocial support services. She is passionate about psychology and wishes to study the field next year.

“I want to study psychology as many people suffer from mental issues, and there is little support they can get,” she shares after their chat. “I think it’s really rewarding when you can talk and help someone”.

The workshop also provided a platform for caregivers to share their experiences and challenges in raising children with disabilities. This open dialogue fostered a sense of community and mutual understanding as parents exchanged valuable insights and support.

The day's activities are part of a comprehensive program by IOM Iraq that focuses on improving the quality of life for children with disabilities in Iraq. By combining creative expression, psychosocial support, and skill development, IOM Iraq aims to empower these children and their families, helping them build a brighter future.

As the workshop concluded, the smiles on the children's faces and the gratitude expressed by their parents were testaments to the initiative's success. IOM remains committed to supporting children with disabilities in Iraq, recognizing their potential and the importance of their inclusion in society.

This activity was organized within the framework of IOM's English Access Micro-Scholarship Programme for children and youth with visual impairments, with the support of the United States Government.