IRAQ: Art and play therapy program in Bashiqa offers relief and expression

BASHIQA, Iraq — The Beth Nahrain Organization for Women (BNOW), in collaboration with the Netherlands-based Ismail Organization, organized a recreational trip as part of an art therapy-focused psychosocial support program aimed at aiding children affected by trauma. 

Now in its fourth cycle, the initiative operates in the twin towns of Bashiqa and Bahzani. Since its launch in March, the program has engaged children in therapeutic activities designed to help them process the psychological impacts of conflict, displacement, and social challenges. 

As a key feature of the program, children participated in a daylong trip to Dijla City, a popular park and amusement venue in Mosul. Beyond recreation, the excursion included sessions with a clinical psychologist, who facilitated discussions on emotional awareness and resilience-building. 

Children also took part in art workshops led by a trained instructor, providing a creative outlet to express thoughts and emotions. The program culminated in a collaborative mural — a tribute to the region’s cultural and religious heritage — painted by the children as a symbol of unity and healing. 

The initiative forms part of the Ismail Organization’s mission to offer trauma-informed care through creative methods. By integrating art and psychology, the program creates safe and inclusive spaces for children to rediscover joy, reconnect with their identities, and nurture a sense of hope for the future.