Art Classes for Lebanese Children Affected by Conflict

A transformed yellow bus, adorned with images of famous film, music, and comedy stars, serves as a mobile sanctuary for children displaced by conflict in Lebanon. This arts initiative provides a brief escape for young ones, allowing them to forget the harsh realities of war for a couple of hours each week. The program is particularly vital for children from villages near the Israeli border, where ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have led to significant displacement. According to the United Nations, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict, while Israel reports around 90,000 displaced on its side. Many of these children now reside in empty schoolrooms with their families, facing a lack of educational resources as the number of teachers falls short of the demand. One child, Ali Mohammad, shared his initial fear of airstrikes, noting that he has gradually become accustomed to the sounds of war. The program's coordinator, Istanbouli, observes a marked change in the children as they engage in the arts. Initially burdened by stress and trauma, the children begin to open up about their experiences. Istanbouli emphasizes the significance of using a bus for peace, recalling that a bus attack in 1975 ignited Lebanon’s civil war. He believes that shared experiences, such as watching films together, can transcend differences in identity. For 11-year-old Aseel Ezzedine, who has been displaced for seven months, the program offers a glimmer of hope amidst uncertainty. She expresses longing for her lost cat and acknowledges the pressure on her family during these challenging times. “This is the future for Lebanon,” she states, highlighting the resilience and hope that the arts project fosters in the face of adversity.