Masa's Journey: Finding Hope Through Art and Education in Gaza

In the midst of adversity, 12-year-old Masa from Gaza finds solace and strength through the simple act of drawing. Nestled in a tent in Deir al-Balah, she carefully traces the curves of ocean waves with her colored pencils, her brown hair pulled up into a ponytail, held together with plastic barrettes. The sea she depicts glimmers with a pristine tranquility that sharply contrasts with the turmoil of her reality.

Masa's life was not always marked by fear and uncertainty. Growing up in the Al-Nasr area, she enjoyed a peaceful existence, filled with laughter and the comforting routine of school. The onset of war shattered this idyllic life, forcing her and her family to flee multiple times from their home. Ultimately, they found refuge in a temporary tent at the Saned site, but what was once a nurturing environment quick faded into emptiness and despair for Masa.

"I used to live a beautiful and peaceful life, where my school was my wonderful world with friends. After the war began, my life became marked by suffering and solitude," she recalls.

Each day posed a new challenge, as Masa grapples with the haunting memories of loss. The conflict not only stripped her of her home but also robbed her of cherished friendships and a sense of safety. Trapped in a small tent, she often felt isolated, incapable of expressing her anxieties. The trauma escalated when her beloved aunt was killed in an airstrike, and a close cousin suffered a severe injury, reinforcing her fears that danger lurked in every shadow.

Then came a glimmer of hope in the form of the Norwegian Refugee Council's (NRC) Better Learning Programme, funded by Education Cannot Wait. This initiative restored a sense of normalcy, offering learning sessions in a safe environment. It became a sanctuary where Masa could reconnect with her identity, restoring her lost skills in Arabic and mathematics, and learning to process her emotions through creative expression.

"When I first heard about the learning tent, my heart filled with hope. I started to feel joy again as I made new friends and rediscovered my love for drawing," Masa shares.

The Better Learning Programme combines education with therapeutic practices, such as deep breathing exercises and engaging in art, to help children manage their trauma. For Masa, each drawing session becomes a reminder of resilience. "I learned about relaxation techniques and what it means to have a 'safe place' in my mind. Whenever I feel scared, I remember those feelings of fear and how to cope with them with the help of my teacher," she explains.

Educators involved in the programme receive training on how to create supportive environments to help children recover emotionally. Since the launch of the programme, nearly one million children in Palestine have benefitted, with a significant focus on ensuring girls have access to education during crises. This holistic approach aims to address not just learning but also emotional healing for children like Masa.

Now, as she walks to the educational tent each day, Masa’s routine is characterized by reading, drawing, and practicing math, skill building that had nearly been lost amidst chaos. As she stares at the waves she draws, they reflect not just her artistic expression but her hopes and aspirations for the future. "I dream of becoming a doctor one day. I want to help children, just like me. Every child deserves the right to dream and grow," she emphasizes.

Despite the grim realities surrounding her, the initiative has restored a sense of optimism for Masa. "Since I started attending the sessions at the educational tent, I have felt a glimmer of hope, as if life is slowly returning to us. I am drawing beautiful pictures again, and those moments make me feel alive," she concludes, a smile spreading across her face.

As Masa continues to navigate her healing journey through art and education, she embodies the resilience of countless children affected by war and displacement. The waves on her page are not just a reflection of the sea; they symbolize a spirit unbroken by grief – a testament that life remains vibrant even amidst darkness. "Drawing the sea reminds me that life can still be beautiful," Masa expresses, her voice filled with determination.