Nearly 200 million children are currently living in the world’s most lethal war zones1
Children living in armed conflict zones are often deprived of basic needs, psychologically supportive environments, educational opportunities, and other basic resources that promote positive child development. These children face high risks of mental health problems that persist far into adulthood, with school-age children being the most vulnerable2 . This is precisely why Our Stars School Foundation was created with the focus on school-age children.
Who we are.
We are a Canadian non-profit facilitating Art Therapy workshops to help children in conflict-affected and underserved communities across the globe. Our mission is led by passionate creatives who are driven by human rights advocacy and believe in creative Art Therapy as a promising mental health intervention aimed at alleviating and preventing the negative mental health consequences of living and growing up in war zones. Meet the OSSF team.
What we do.
At Our Stars School Foundation we offer custom tailored Art Therapy workshops in a safe space where children can feel voiced, expressed and able to recognize their inner power and potential through creativity. Our workshops cultivate messages of hope, resilience and a positive outlook on life for our children to feel free of all limitations whether self-imposed, diagnosed or societal and instead feel fearless in facing and overcoming life challenges and difficult emotions.
1 & 2 Save The Children, “The Number of Children Living in Deadliest War Zones Rises Nearly 20% to Highest in Over a Decade” available at: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/about-us/media-and-news/2021-press-releases/number-of-children-living-in-deadliest-war-zones-rises
Our Vision.
A world where every child is aware of their creative voice as a vital means of communication and expression. For every child to realize the power of creative expression in amplifying our most authentic human voice, articulating complex emotions and alleviating life’s hardships and challenges in the process.
We believe a child’s mental well-being directly impacts the socio-economic, cultural development and the future of a society. Children’s mental health must be a collective human priority to nurture a healthier, self-aware, positive and empowered future generation with the skills necessary to fight for their rights and contribute to the development of their communities. This is the vision of Our Stars School Foundation that we hope to transcend for generations to come.
Dalia Elcharbini
Executive Director & Founder
Our Stars School Foundation
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