The Middle East Council of Churches Contributes in Empowering Children in Lebanon
Drama Therapy and Psychological Support
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
In light of the daily pressures surrounding our societies, children became in dire need of a safe space in which they can feel free to express themselves. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop their abilities and skills and teach them valuable skills which can elevate them to better heights once they reach adulthood. Hence, the Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in cooperation with the international organization Mennonite Central Committee - MCC, launched 10 drama therapy sessions over a period of 3 weeks, for a group of 7 children.
The aim was to empower the participants, build skills for self-expression and self-regulation, which can in turn boost self-confidence, enhance empathy and social skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster cognitive development.
The sessions included various interactive segments, including listening to music and practicing the Lebanese musical instrument “Derbakke” to make things fun and engaging. Also, they were allowed to practice dance movements as the music resonated within the room. Another method used was psychodrama in which the tool ‘acting’ was used. Beneficiaries got creative by mimicking certain situations, events, people, etc., in a playful manner.
Although the sessions are fun and engaging and allowed children to blow off some steam, the activities revealed that some of the kids needed further follow up through one-on-one sessions with MECC’s social worker.
At the end, kids explained that they enjoyed the sessions and would like to join other similar activities.
