Art Therapy Helps Heal the Wounds of War in Eastern DRC
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Loading... - Morowa Awuku
- 30 Dec 2024
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Every morning, Butsiire Samuel arrives at a camp in Kanyaruchinya, near Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Alongside a team of volunteer artists, he dedicates his time to teaching drawing to displaced children. This initiative aims to provide hope through art therapy while offering psychological support centered on artistic expression. The children's paintings often depict themes of peace, security, and their challenging everyday lives.
"I am a displaced person," shares Jean Claude Ndayishimiye, one of the young participants. "I came here to learn with others. I had a good teacher who teaches me how to draw. Now I am drawing our flag to show that I can never forget our country, even if Kagame takes us anywhere. I can never forget Congo. That is why I am drawing, but also to keep hope."
Many children, unable to attend school due to the ongoing conflict, gather each morning to participate in these unique art classes. Butsiire Samuel explains, "We supervise these groups because the children have fled the war. They are traumatized and stressed. We believe that through art, we can help them regain their zest for life. When they draw, they feel free. They can't go to school anymore, but with painting here, they are freed from a weight, and they send a message to the whole world."
The art classes provide a much-needed escape from the hardships of camp life. Kavira Sikuli, who brings her son to the sessions, recalls the traumatic experience of fleeing their home in Rutshuru due to fighting between the Congolese army and the armed M23 rebels. "The M23 chased us out of our home, and we came here near Goma. Our children were traumatized because of the M23 bombs and bullets. When we arrived here, we met these volunteers who are teaching our children to draw. Thank God for that."
The ongoing conflict has led to massive population displacements, with thousands of families living in extremely difficult humanitarian conditions. According to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), many children who fled with their parents remain unschooled and unattended in various refugee camps.
Through art therapy, Butsiire Samuel and his team are not only helping children express their emotions but also fostering a sense of community and resilience among those affected by the violence. This creative outlet serves as a vital tool for healing, allowing young survivors to envision a brighter future despite the challenges they face.
