Peace Education through Art
The benefits of art therapy for children from war and conflict
Some of the children in refugee camps have experienced great loss and violence, far beyond what any human being should have to suffer.
By implementing Peace Education through the use of art, children are offered a less threatening way of expressing their feelings. Art therapy is an expressive technique for healing (Pugh, 2003).
Children are able to express themselves better when their message is accompanied by a drawing or picture (Pugh, 2003).
"Art has the power to induce a sense of peace" (Gussak, 2002, p.96).
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Through their engagement with different materials and with the help of art teachers and art therapists, these children will be able to explore the concepts of peace in a non-threatening way.
The goal of peace education is to help children embrace news ways to deal with conflict and to close the cultural barriers that lead to war and conflict.
"Art transcends language barriers and cultures and speaks a language everybody understands" (Pugh, 2003, n.p.).
Furthermore, the creation of sculptures and art that can be shared within the community provides those children with a sense of unity, belonging and community (Gussak, 2002).
Gussak, D. (2002). Art therapists as bridge builders for peace. Journal of Cultural Research in Art Education, 19/20, 94-105. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.acu.edu.au/docview/205854205?accountid=8194
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Pugh, A. (2003, Spring). Painting a path to well-being: Art therapy helps children of war mend the wounds. CrossCurrents, 6, 14-16. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.acu.edu.au/docview/218672920?accountid=8194