New art therapy program launched in Dubai to help disadvantaged children

The session was led by Emirati artists Khawla Darkish, Noor Al Suwaidi, Shamma Al Amri and Hindi Demithan. Courtesy Cultural Office of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
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Underprivileged children and orphans across the country are being given a chance to shine and unleash their creativity through an art programme developed by the Cultural Office of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The year long Dubai based project, done in association with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs And Endowments (Awqaf) has been initiated for children from four to 16 years of age and will culminate in an art exhibition with their artworks.

The aim is to enable children to express themselves creatively, be self-aware, confident and in control of their emotions. Art therapy has been linked to positive effects on disadvantaged and vulnerable children, allowing them to be better engaged in school and the community.

The office concluded their first ‘Introduce Myself’ workshop, as part of the initiative recently. The session was led by Emirati artists Khawla Darkish, Noor Al Suwaidi, Shamma Al Amri and Hindi Demithan.

As part of the session, children were assigned an artistic group task promoting self-expression. The volunteer artists helped the children create portraits and facilitated a discussion on art at the end of the session.​

aahmed@thenational.ae