Feedback – IAHV Peacebuilding

Healing, Resilience and Preventing Extremism among war-affected children in Jordan and Lebanon

THRH and YAVAP Training in Jordan THRH and YAVAP Training in Lebanon Peacebuilding Projects & Community Activities Professional Care Training Training of Trainers Healing, Resilience and Empowerment Training Stress Relief and Resilience Workshops

THRH and YAVAP Training in Jordan

In the Summer of 2017, 204 of the most vulnerable and at risk children and youth from Syria and Jordan graduated from IAHV’s intense 5-day Trauma-Relief, Healing and Human Values Trainings. 60 Syrian and Jordanian youth consequently became Youth Anti-Violence and Peace Ambassadors empowered to prevent and reduce violence in their schools and communities.

The participants, their supervisors as well as IAHV’s trainers all noticed a huge shift in the wellbeing, attitude and behaviour of the children. Children who lacked self-esteem, isolated themselves, displayed aggressive behaviour, or suffered from anxiety, depression and PTSD, gradually opened up, engaged with the training program, became more positive and enthusiastic, and experienced relief from long term traumas. Shy and reclusive children transformed into effective leaders taking responsibility for peace projects in their schools and communities. Conflicts and fights between different groups of children transformed into increased understanding, acceptance and joint singing, dancing and celebration.

Symptomatic participants experienced a 25.92% decrease in anxiety levels, a 25.46% decrease in depression levels, a 36.41% decrease in PTSD levels, a 40.61% decrease in sleeping problems, and a 44.19% decrease in feeling hopeless about the future upon completing THRH and/or YAVAP trainings.

Based on the THRH participants’ testimonials, the trainers’ observations, the feedback of the referring organisations and the evaluation forms, the THRH trainings reduced depression, anxiety, PTSD and violent behavior and improved the participants’ sense of safety, positive emotions, self-esteem, outlook and coping mechanisms. The testimonials of the THRH participants speak of the reduction in their stress levels, anxiety and tendencies for violent behavior throughout the program, and of being able to control their reactions to fight with other participants. They also mention their increased positive outlook on life and sense of hope.

Partner organisations who had referred their most vulnerable children to the IAHV trainings gave very positive feedback and observed among their children increased self-confidence, restored optimism and hope towards the future, reduced violence, more calmness, increased school participation, and a new sense of togetherness among Jordanian and Syrian children who used to separate themselves before.

Stories from the Trainings (YAVAP Girls):

A 14-year-old Syrian who is living with conservative parents

On the first day she cried, because her parents push her to be perfect, but she cannot: “I cannot get 100% on exams, only 98. If you ask me to dance, I won’t, because I know I will fail. If you ask me to sing, I cannot, because I won’t know word by word what the lyrics are.”

Afraid of failure, she refused to try while other girls were singing. For the last night of the training, she asked her parents if she could stay the night. After receiving permission, she packed her stuff and strutted happily the next day. That night, after learning that you need to live the moment as it comes, she got up to dance.

First she was scared, but when she saw the encouragement from everyone around her, the clapping and the smiles, she let loose.

It was her first time dancing, ever. She didn’t know what to do with her body, hips, hands and legs, but she didn’t care. She just moved, laughed and shook with happiness, saying she finally felt free.

A 16-year-old Jordanian orphan

Very athletic and energetic, but constantly running around and very hyper. When you see her, you see pure confidence, but when you get closer, she pushes you aside.

As the days went by, her tough act was dropped and her vulnerable side showed. After getting into a fight with one of the other girls, she stood for 10 minutes choking on her apology.

Upon finally saying it, she collapsed, crying, repeating the words “I’m sorry”. That same night, she interacted more with the girls. Before, the girls would blast music and dance each night, but she would shrug and tell us it wasn’t her thing.

That night, however, she joined in, stood front line, and danced like she has never done before.

A 16 year old, very conservative and quiet Syrian refugee girl

Her parents wanted her to benefit fully from the experience and to stay all nights at the camp in order to increase her confidence, so she was the only Syrian present at night.

The first night around the bonfire she was scared, looking at everyone clapping and singing and having a good time. When we asked her what her favorite song was, so we could sing it for her to enjoy, she blankly stared back and whispered: “I don’t know any music, all I know is the Quran.” That same night, she slept with her hijab on, scared of judgement and punishment if she would let go.

Each day and after every session, her voice was getting louder. By the last day, she was sharing opinions and her voice was being heard.

At the last bonfire, she played the Arabic drums herself, banging on them enthusiastically, urging everyone to sing so she could try to follow their rhythm. After watching a film about overcoming obstacles and knowing your true talents, she was the first one to comment, loudly, saying: “Life throws many challenges your way, and it is up to you to take it, and turn it into something productive.”

Testimonials

“We used to hit each other. Now we talk to each other.”

YAVAP graduate, Menshieh

“My students have become much better. They participate better and like the music lessons. They used to hit each other but that does not happen now anymore."

Teacher, Menshieh

“I saw my father die in Syria. But I couldn’t accept it. I couldn’t move on. I tricked myself into thinking he’s still alive, I convinced myself he was just away and coming back. After the training I acknowledged what happened to my father. I accepted his death and I was okay with it.”

THRH Participant, Jarash

Very early on in the trainings, a sense of connectedness was established among the youth from different regions, nationalities and backgrounds, as well as between the youth and their supervisors, trainers and communities, which has lasted till now.

“When I’m in the classroom with the trainers, I feel like I belong to them, I’m not a student, they’re not teachers, we all belong to each other … When we first began the training, I felt like everyone just wanted to provoke each other. This person wants to fight with this person while this other person is making fun of anyone who participates. Everyone had an ego, but after the breathing and the games and the sleepovers, everyone was on the same level. Me and the rest of the kids started making friends, we started supporting each other and cheering for one another in the group activities and games. By the end, we were all one family. We all cared for one another, including the trainers. We didn’t judge each other anymore."

THRH Participant, Jarash

Participants often mention an increase in their self-confidence. Allowing participants to lead exercises and eventually their own community peace projects proved to be a successful method to ensure their confidence and ability to take responsibility within their own schools, homes, and communities.

"I used to be so insecure because of my glass eye. I couldn’t even look people in the eye when they were talking to me. I always looked down. After working with IAHV, I’m no longer embarrassed of my eye. I’m proud of who I am. Not only am I proud, I appreciate everyone for their own stories and struggles rather than their looks and what they have."

Volunteer, Zaatari Refugee Camp

Most participants feel that the IAHV training provides a safe space, one where participants are encouraged to express themselves without consequence, to foster a space where they are comfortable.

“I feel like we entered a ‘room of Peace’ when we enter the training. You release all the bad energy and return happy to your house when you finish the training”.

Peace Ambassador, Zarqa

SOS Village - Success Story

The SOS children used to live isolated, not interacting much with society, distrusted and distrusting. In the SOS village in Amman, each house was more or less like a gang stronghold, but since they participated in IAHV programs there has been a big positive change in the relationships within the village. After the YAVAP training, the youth from different houses started meeting and studying together. Youth who were enemies before are now together, there is more brotherhood and no more problems.

"When there is a problem among them, they are now less aggressive than before. There is a much more positive connection among them.”

SOS Manager

“I used to be very stubborn, but now I am listening more and accepting others more. I hated socialising before, but now I have many friends. I never made so many friends in such a short time!”

YAVAP graduate, SOS

One of the biggest successes for SOS working with IAHV, was the change in the personalities that they observed in their children. It was the first time that their children started mixing and interacting with other youth. They lost their shyness and inhibitions, did not feel embarrassed and expressed their emotions freely. They are now motivated from inside. The management was (positively) shocked with the changes they observed.

A 16-year-old orphan living in the SOS villages

People around her claimed she was very violent and aggressive. Her supervisor stated that once she is triggered, she is like an ‘untamed bull’. 6 years ago, her father, not sober, beat her mother to death in front of her, and turned himself in. Ever since then, any threatening situation triggers those memories and she attacks. A little comment from a friend at camp triggered her anger and she lashed out and scratched her face. After sitting and talking, she mentioned the techniques of the training and calmed down, saying:

“In these few days, I have learned to forgive my father, and move on with my life. Life goes on, and if you don’t move with it, your memories will suffocate you. I forgive him, I forgive my friend. Life is too short.”

When the SOS children started visiting cancer hospitals as part of their YAVAP project, the boys all decided to shave their heads as a sign of solidarity and empathy with the cancer patients. For these boys, for whom the haircut is a very important aspect of their outlook and personality, this was a very new and strong message of empathy with others, which was coming from their hearts.

“Normally our children think in the first place about themselves when there is money involved. Now, when they started thinking about the project, it was the first time they thought about others in the first place, such as the cancer patients.”

SOS manager

THRH and YAVAP Training in Lebanon

THRH Training in Lebanon

In Lebanon, THRH (Trauma-Relief, Healing, Resilience and Human Values Training) was offered to 165 vulnerable children, both Syrian refugee children and very vulnerable and highly traumatised Lebanese children living in a shelter in Deddeh.

Following the THRH, the participants immediately felt increased energy, deep relaxation, reduced reactive and fight responses, increased confidence, hope and empowerment to shape their lives and live their dreams, and improved skills to express themselves. Symptomatic participants experienced a reduction of anxiety by 25%, depression by 28% and PTSD by 45%. Also the parents, teachers and social workers observe the positive changes in the THRH participants, such as reduced aggression, more calmness, better focus and concentration, improved wellbeing, increased hope, and reduced stress.

Most of the THRH participants continued with the follow up sessions, during which the trainers could observe their continuous transformation. Coming from different schools and areas in Tripoli, they became friends and shared their stories. They identified the violence in their lives and communities that is affecting them and are eager to share what they learned with their peers, schools and communities. Their maturity makes them stand out among their peers and they are now clearly pioneers in their schools and communities.

Lebanon Stories

“This training taught us how to behave in society, stay away from violence, and learn how to solve problems differently. It taught us how to create goals and work towards them while giving our 100% and how to achieve them. I used to dream a lot but I never felt any of these dreams was possible. But now after doing this program I feel that I can reach my dreams.”

Rayan, YAVAP graduate, Sept 2018

“I discovered that I am not that bad person I always thought I was. At last I felt it’s possible for me to live my life, [I understand] why I am here, and why I shouldn’t be sad. I used to find all the reasons to be sad, to be a miserable and depressed person, maybe I felt worthless; but now I know who I am. I have value, I don’t need to remain sad. I need to stay happy.”

Hiba, YAVAP graduate, Sept 2018

“The peace that is inside of us, now we want to help others to find it, to find their inner peace and find more confidence and accept themselves. We do not know what the future holds, but we can work towards making it more beautiful and live and enjoy the moment. I now want to start improving myself, increase my self-confidence, help people change the same way you helped us.”

Fadia, YAVAP graduate, Sept 2018

“We were able to be with ourselves and get to know who we are. I feel confidence and mental peace. I am a better listener now. I learnt that if I fail at something, I will continue until I succeed. Something has changed for the better.”

Nour, YAVAP graduate, Sept 2018

“I was eager to keep coming to the follow-up sessions to be able to release what was inside me. I was able to relax. I now listen more to my family members. The activities made us less shy, and increased our motivation. I learnt to keep working towards my goals however big or small. I feel so happy that I am sharing all of this with you all.”

Malak, YAVAP graduate, Sept 2018

Working with a group of at risk children in a juvenile corrective institution south of Tripoli, Lebanon, we met that shy 9 years old boy. He was avoiding any physical contact with anyone, whether from the care takers, peers or trainers. I noticed how he was not able to talk properly and was not willing to make any eye contact with people. He was just throwing few words here and there, creating chaos with it among his peers, and then silently watching.

At the end of the second day of the Trauma-Relief and Human Values training, he came and asked to talk to me privately. He told me that he misses his mother as he hasn't seen her for a whole year, and said something I did not understand at the time: “I love my family and miss them, despite they are hurting me!”

The responsible case officer informed me later that this boy was repeatedly sexually assaulted by family members. When he tried to defend himself, he ran away and got arrested. She added that the mother wasn't able to visit him, not only because she lives very far and is very poor, but also because she is trying to protect her family, including him from her point of view, by asking him to change his testimony against those who abused him.

During the training we paid attention to enhance his confidence in himself and others. He was reluctant, though we saw a change in his body language. He was feeling a change inside himself that he only expressed when I visited the institution a week after the training. To my amazement he came running to me and hugged me tight. With a sweet smile he told me he was regularly doing the exercises we taught him. He looked so much accomplished after overcoming some of his inhibitions of physical contact with people, thanks to the transformational techniques he has been practicing and the patience of our team to give him space to express himself. One year later I met him and saw him much more confident to talk and express himself. He was also able to see his mother without being influenced by any dictation regarding his testimony.

A 7th grader, was very shy and introvert because he was bullied by his peers for his physical structure. He was feeling left out because other children were avoiding to play with him. He was suppressing much pain and sadness but on the last day of the training he was able to stand up for himself and politely stopped someone from mocking him. He also proved his importance in the team and showed those who were making fun of him how he can excel them in other areas and complement them instead of competing with them. He shared that he felt much stronger in his body and spirit, and that now he feels he can do anything.

A 7th grader, was strongly influenced by and following his friends’ footsteps to the extent he was living in their shadows. He was suppressing lots of anger and frustration, which he succeeded to eliminate during the training and was able to experience great rest and calmness according to his sharing. On the last day of the training he reached self-confidence and depicted signs of excellence far from his friends’ influence thus proving himself as a leader having his own personality.

A 7th grader, shared that during the relaxation after the breathing he felt his heart was expanding and there was a strong energy flowing into his body, making him feel very strong and happy.

An 8th grader from Abou Samra, suffered from breathing problems and sleeping disorder. He was also very introvert and wasn’t willing to take initiative at the start of the program. On the last day he slept very deep during the relaxation after the breathing exercises and shared that he hadn’t felt that much rest before. He also showed great leadership skills and responsibility towards his team and was able to enhance his self-confidence. He shared:

"I felt great rest. The exercise after the deep breath was important. I felt the tiredness being eliminated from my body. The dizziness left my body. All the negativity was eliminated from my body."

A 7th grader, was feeling very angry and sometimes very aggressive with his peers. He said he was not able to relax. However, during the course he was able to feel deep rest:

"I was very relaxed when I was lying down. I am so rested and my happiness is indescribable."

“Things used to bother me. Now I can control my anger better. I learnt how to do it.”

“We gave time to ourselves, which we never did before. We never really took care of ourselves. We were able to release anger and relax physically and mentally.”

“Only when you try you know how valuable this training is. Try it, it’s so beneficial.”

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“I wish this training was on a daily basis every single day.”

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Peacebuilding Projects & Community Activities

Jordan:

YAVAP graduate groups in Jordan have implemented 5 different peacebuilding projects:

A group of young men promoted positive coping strategies to release stress in Zaatari refugee camp through the production and screening of an awareness raising movie and the implementation of SRR workshops by the YAVAP ToT graduates themselves.

They partnered with IRD within the refugee camp to screen the film for all IRD beneficiaries. Their film shows the stressed camp residents alternative coping methods to deal with stress, and the SRR workshops teach them these tools to release stress and create a more connected community. The Peace Ambassadors from Zaatari camp graduated from the Training of Trainers program so that they could organize and deliver SRR workshops to the children in the refugee camp. They were so successful in delivering impactful trainings to over 5,000 children in Zaatari, that the parents of the children requested workshops as well. Therefore, the Peace Ambassadors participated in another ToT, from which they graduated to deliver HRE within their community. These boys have continued to apply their newly gained skills and knowledge through an ongoing initiative within the camp to strengthen and spread this project’s objectives on a sustained basis.

A group of boys and girls created a conflict-free environment among disadvantaged youth in the SOS village for orphans in East Amman, so that they can better concentrate on their education and plan their future.

The Peace Day offered several stations in which all orphans and other stakeholders could actively participate and learn from peacebuilding exercises. Each Peace Ambassador from SOS ran a station on Peace Day, to teach necessary life skills and values that promote a peaceful environment and community within the village. By establishing a positive environment through the Peace Day, SOS orphans can now focus on their future rather than worrying only about present threats to their happiness, such as an angry and hostile environment. Another group of SOS children created social cohesion and integration between the SOS village and the wider society in East Amman through educational activities.

A group of Syrian boys created cohesion between Jordanian and Syrian youth, who often clash around the football field, and developed sportsmanship between the youth of different identities, by organizing peaceful football matches with mixed teams and the integration of human values and conflict resolution skills by the YAVAP youth, to pave the way for peace in their community in Menshieh.

They not only created fun activities for the other boys of their community participating in the tournament, but also mobilized their entire community to come together and support the teams. The football tournament created social cohesion among Syrian and Jordanian family and community members.

A group of young girls from Zarqa reduced violence and bullying and created peaceful and respectful environment in their school through workshop and community service initiatives together with the school teachers and IAHV trainers.

They launched an anti-bullying campaign along with leadership and social cohesion workshops to empower all girls in their school.

A group of creative girls organized music and art classes centered around the idea of peace and promoted a safe space where Syrian refugee children could occupy their time constructively, develop their creativity and confidence, and avoid isolation and violent habits and tendencies in Menshieh.

The classes brought many children and youth together and created new friendships. During the final project celebration in the community, the girls showcased the art work made during the classes and several of the music students showed their new skills in a live performance of dance and songs on the topic of peace, human values and togetherness.

Lebanon:

In Lebanon the 14 female YAVAP graduates have started preparing a theatre play on early marriage to increase mutual understanding of all stakeholders involved and prevent negative and violent outcomes.

They have been writing and developing the script during the follow-up sessions and will stage the play and perform in 2019.

Professional Care Training

“I am capable of handling more pressure… whether from the kids, or the house, or work, everywhere… we accept others’ opinions more. I used to be so intolerant of people before. If there was a situation I didn’t used to think, I just reacted straight away, and I would get angry, but I don’t do this anymore. Now I understand events and situations better.”

TOT Graduate, ICCS

“Now I am able to recover my energy during the week itself, so I don’t have to catch up with sleep anymore during the weekend. I take more care of my health now.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“We learned how to release stress and anger and control our emotions. In our job we go into much detail of each person’s situation and make decisions that may change somebody’s life. Sometimes we struggle with feelings of guilt when we refuse refugee status. This affects our emotions. In the Professional Care training of IAHV I experienced that there is hope in life. I don’t need to go to the doctor. I can think better and come out of my negativity. I can release negativities and can become a better human being. 25 staff members did the program and all agreed that they felt more improvement and awareness. This program should be widespread, not just for refugees.”

Director Refugee Center, Australian Embassy, Amman

“I do things more calmly now. I used to be in a hurry all the time. I started to let go of the problems and think more positively.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“It was the first time they thought about themselves as a person, about their own mind and emotions. For the first time their mind was able to stop. One staff member who was very depressed, started speaking and smiling again.”

Manager, Handicap International

(about their staff who work with war victims in Syria on a daily basis and who were very affected themselves)

“I work with war-affected children and get their stress as well. Now I feel more relaxed when I go home after work and I also changed my behavior towards the children more positively.”

Teacher, Menshieh

“I always felt there was something missing in my personal and professional life. This gap has now been filled.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“These techniques are effortless and allow us not to let things pile up.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“I’m under a lot of pressure. I need to find a suitable environment for the children and help them come out of the trauma of war and transform their situation and feelings into positive ones. I felt very relaxed after experiencing the breathing techniques. Day after day it turned out to be a positive experience and it helped me to come out of many difficult situations I am facing.”

Mustapha al Haj, Director, Toyour al Amal schools for Syrian refugees

Jesuit Refugee Services – Success Story

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) staff has integrated IAHV techniques in their classes for refugees, who are asking for it and are thus able to focus and study better. Staff is less affected negatively by the stressful situations of the refugees and able to have a more positive impact on them now. They no longer take the stress home so that family relationships improve. Also team relationships have improved.

“I now keep a smile on my face when I teach my 300 refugee students.”

teacher with Jesuit Refugee Service, participant in 3-hour IAHV program

“I teach these techniques in my classes now. The (refugee) students are asking for it. They are more energized and focused now.”

Teacher with Jesuit Refugee Service

“I became more patient and more cooperative with colleagues. My relationships with family and friends have also improved.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“When I am angry now, I stay relaxed and solve the problem instead of creating it.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“These techniques help teachers to manage themselves and the (refugee) students better. We can react differently now on the way they react.”

Teacher with Jesuit Refugee Service

“I am teaching life skills to refugee children, but something was missing. IAHV’s Stress Relief and Resilience workshops give that. Children want more of it. I integrate it in my workshops now. Their energy levels used to drop but now stay high during my sessions.”

Teacher with Jesuit Refugee Service

“Working with the refugees used to give a lot of stress and take a lot of energy. Their conditions, especially when they have disabilities, are so stressful. Before I didn’t know how to deal with their anger when I was visiting them. Now that I have more energy (after the IAHV workshops), my perspective has changed. I can now give them hope and a positive outlook.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

“This project could take off a huge load from the refugee community.”

JRS refugee staff for house visits

Training of Trainers

Training of Trainers

The Peace Ambassadors from Zaatari camp graduated from the Training of Trainers program so that they could organize and deliver SRR workshops to the children in the refugee camp.

They were so successful in delivering impactful trainings to over 5,000 children in Zaatari, that the parents of the children requested workshops as well.

Therefore, the Peace Ambassadors participated in another ToT, from which they graduated to deliver HRE within their community.

These boys have continued to apply their newly gained skills and knowledge through an ongoing initiative within the camp to strengthen and spread this project’s objectives on a sustained basis.

Healing, Resilience and Empowerment Training

A Syrian mother in her early 50-s who lost both her sons in the war, was very gloomy and crying most of the time. This bothered her husband and family and made her feel separated from them. She felt alone with her memories and felt that even if she would smile it would be as if she would betray the memory of her sons. However, during the HRE Program she was able to express all the suppressed feelings that she couldn’t share with her near ones. She sang for her sons and feel deeper yet more peaceful connection with them. She felt as if her heart opened up to life again! She shared:

"The training suited me as I am a mother of martyrs; I felt mentally and physically relaxed and I wish that we always have trainings for the body to get rid of worries; I felt that the human health is very important in order to live in the society as a normal person, and how to eliminate premature ageing. Thank you."

Since her husband disappeared during the war, a Syrian woman has been covering up her physical and emotional pain with jokes in order to look strong in front of her family. She was always suffering from many cramps in her body, which troubled her very much. During the HRE Program, she felt her ailments relieved as she shared:

"I enjoyed the exercises as it helped me to get rid of my stomach and colon cramps and relieved me from the intractable diseases in my body.

Thanks for being able to remove some of the pain from our hearts."

A mother, supporting her family and was always feeling burdened with a lot of suppressed emotions. During the HRE Program she was able to eliminate these as she shared:

"I enjoyed this activity and the training was wonderful and more than wonderful. It has changed my feelings and the extent of the inner sadness that I have put in myself. I have learned the correct way to breathe and to enjoy the daily exercises, which was the best I have experienced in my life. I got rid of the internal toxins and I came back to my house psychologically relaxed, calm and full of energy, the thing which I was looking for long time ago.

I reached a great peace of mind, which helped me to be content and endure all that is difficult in our daily lives."

One day, during an IAHV Healing, Resilience and Empowerment training for mothers in one of the suburbs of Tripoli, a very young Syrian girl came in, carrying a baby and accompanied by an elder lady and another young girl, slightly older than her. When I saw the young girl, I thought she was just accompanying her mother and would wait for her outside, but she came in. So I went to talk to her to introduce her to IAHV’s youth program, which is more suitable for her age, as the current workshop was exclusively for mothers. The girl looked at me with much agony and said: “But I am a mother, this is my baby!!!” Amazed, I didn’t know what to respond.

I noticed that she wasn't communicating with the other two women she came with. Later I learnt from the elder lady that she was her mother and that the young girl refuses to talk to her as she held her guilty for what happened to her. The first two days of the training were intense for her. She kept quiet the whole time and did not interact with anyone. On the last day, after the powerful IAHV trauma relief techniques, she came to me and said: “Now I am ready to talk to you privately.”

Then she shared her story, how at the age of 14, she got engaged and married to a relative and how traumatizing it was for her that he physically abused her as she wasn't able to get pregnant. Then she got pregnant but lost the baby, which made him even more determined to have another. After a very hard time suffering many illnesses, she got her baby, yet again the husband wanted another baby. She wasn’t able to do that as she had become too weak. So he abused her again. Then, when nothing worked, he decided to divorce her.

Her voice was barely coming out, filled with sorrow, as she shared how she could not talk to anyone about what happened. Especially not to her mother, who insisted to marry her off at that very young age, thinking that she was protecting her from rape and shame in the war. But now, after the training, the girl got the strength to stand up for herself and her baby. She spoke with conviction when she said she is a divorced mother at the age of 16. Now she wants to send a message to all parents not to do the same to their daughters. She shared this drawing as an awareness note to all families:

Stress Relief and Resilience Workshops

"I used to always have nightmares about the bad things that happened to me in the past. I would relive them in my dreams. Now I am not scared to sleep anymore. The breathing lets me sleep without nightmares and I wake up rested"

SRR Participant, Irbid, Jordan

A 9th grader from Beddawi was at times reacting very aggressively and angrily towards his peers, and would then feel bad about it. During the SRR Program, he felt he was able to release these suppressed emotions as he shared:

"There were all those emotions inside me: frustration, anger, hatred, pain. When I did this exercise, I felt that these feelings, which I have been using in my life have all vanished. And when I had my hands closed I felt that all those feelings were trapped inside. And when I opened my eyes, I felt something went out of my body and I felt deeply rested, as if I became another person… I felt calmness. Feelings of frustration, anger, hatred, sadness and pain have vanished from my body. Thank you very much for getting us out of this entanglement… Thank you very much"

An 8th grader from Beddawi, has been very shy with low self-confidence and many supressed emotions. During the SRR Program, she was able to release these feelings and regain her self-confidence as she shared:

"When I completed this exercise, I felt great rest and relaxation, as if I got rid of all the aches and anxieties that were inside me.

When I opened my eyes, I felt reassured and safe as if I was reborn in a new world.

When I opened my hands, I felt that the feelings which have been inhibiting my self-confidence and my courage have left my body… and when I got rid of them [negative feelings], I regained self-confidence and I felt the courage and determination filling my entire body."

“Working with boys in the Lebanese high schools was very special at times. Sometimes the boys did not want to open their eyes, there was a deep sense of silence and depth.

Some said they have never felt this peaceful before. There was a change in their eyes, the way they looked and how they looked at us. There was a deep sense of amazement and wonder after having experienced even simple breathing techniques.I am amazed every time our sessions turn 180 degrees from total chaos to deep peace and silence.

Even in the more chaotic sessions, we always managed to have at least some of the participants experience a deep sense of relaxation and value the techniques. It is so beautiful when they open up, when they are able to value and experience deep rest from stress and trauma. When troubled youth who were behaving erratically and aggressively end up sshh-ing others because they want to enjoy that deeper rest. When they are not afraid to close their eyes, drop their hard shell and show their sensitive side. When girls tell each other enthusiastically at the end how they loved the session and how relaxed they felt.

There was genuine interest from some students in both Qobba SRRs and the boys high schools to continue to the next phase (THRH). At the end of the session some girls started encouraging others to put their names down to enrol in the next program.”

Chris Matta, IAHV Trainer

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IAHV programs have had a huge impact in Menshieh, on personal lives, work, homes and the community as a whole. You have changed the mentality of this community. It created brotherhood among the communities here. The violence among the children has reduced. They smile more, are more relaxed and more motivated. Now there is friendliness without fighting.

First through the football matches, this project created familiarity, what was needed. The local community came together because of this project. Syrians started coming to our community center. We convinced the parents to allow their children to develop their talents in music and art. It created bridges of trust.

Mayor of Menshieh, Mafraq

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Co-funded by the European Union

Implemented by Crossarts and IAHV

These project pages are created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IAHV and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.