"Overcome" helps SSEF children express their emotions via art

Sharjah 24

20-05-2025

Turning emotions into symbols
As part of the larger "Skip" initiative, which attempts to empower children emotionally and psychologically after the death of a parent, the workshop invited participants to draw trees and identify each component with what it meant to them personally. This symbolic practice used visual metaphors, colours, and narration to help youngsters convert ethereal feelings into concrete art.
Each child's tree created a compelling story. Mohammed, for example, identified the roots of his tree as his family, which provided him with stability and values. The trunk signified strength and responsibility, the branches his growing desires, and the fruits his accomplishments. Unripe fruits represented unfulfilled desires, whereas storms represented life's challenges—bringing rain, hope, and growth. His painting demonstrated both hope and maturity beyond his years.
In a different part of the room, Naya created a tree adorned with hearts. On each branch, she wrote the names of her loved ones: "mother, sister, brother and grandmother.". Above the tree, a storm cloud exploded with lightning. She added the emotional line: "When my father died, I was sad, but I decided to move on with my life and become a doctor." Her statements revealed her tenacity and resolve to transform sadness into strength.
Talia sketched a tree with wishes and memories, thanking her family, particularly her mother. Youssef employed brilliant hues to express his hobbies and goals, demonstrating his strong passion for painting. In a truly moving moment, Liana drew a tree encircled by the names of her family members. She added that, while she was deeply saddened by her father's death, she believed it was not the end of her path and promised herself a future of achievement and joy, dedicated to supporting her mother.
A safe environment for healing
Duaa Mohammed, a psychologist at the organisation, commented on the workshop: "We believe that children have the power of recovery. Through these workshops, we've discovered how much awareness and ability they possess to express themselves in profound and creative ways." Their work is more than simply art; it's a glimpse into their hearts, conveying themes of optimism and determination that transcend their age."
She emphasised that the "Overcome" project aims to provide therapeutic and creative alternatives to assist grieving children in addressing their emotional issues. She added that art therapy allows children to express themselves in ways that they might not be able to do verbally. It lowers stress, boosts self-awareness, and enhances overall well-being. Furthermore, it provides specialists with a more in-depth insight into the child's mental state, allowing them to provide appropriate support.
Drawing a road forward
Art, particularly sketching, is one of the most powerful methods for emotional expression in youngsters dealing with bereavement. It offers a safe and healthy way to express sadness, anxiety, rage, and perplexity. This process helps youngsters rebuild meaning from their sorrow, develop resilience, and envision a better future.
The paintings also facilitate meaningful interactions between youngsters and adults, so strengthening emotional relationships and providing reassurance. As the youngsters depict their inner worlds, they also form their hopes, infusing their imagined futures with courage, dreams, and the possibility of healing.
Programs like the "Overcome" workshop are part of the Sharjah Social Empowerment initiative. The foundation guides children towards psychological resilience and creative self-expression, allowing them to grow with strength and confidence—planting the seeds for a future they can mould with their hands, where their goals can genuinely blossom.