New Children’s Project: Little Hands, Big Stories

09 February 2026

We're expanding efforts to improve mental health support for refugee children in Lebanon | We need your support | Support the project here →

Find out more about this exciting mental health initiative for children.

We are delighted to announce a new project, expanding our efforts to improve mental health for refugee children in Lebanon. In 2025, we carried out NET (Narrative Exposure Therapy) & Play Therapy, helping children process the trauma they had endured. This year, we’re continuing our work in the sector, but with a creative twist.

About the Project

The project will use participatory filmmaking and creative arts to support refugee children living in Lebanon. Children willtake part in creative filmmaking sessions, where they will record short films,showing life through their eyes. Through this process, they willbe encouraged to release their creativity, explore storytelling and visual expression. Most importantly,simplybe children, using the camera as a tool to help process trauma endured.

How Participatory Filmmaking Helps Children

Ultimately, the project aims to empower children, amplify their voices and allow them to have fun in an environment that often limits opportunities for self-expression. Participating in filmmaking can help children:

-Utilise non-verbal outlets to express emotions, hopes and fears

-Gain a sense of ownership and visibility, creating a tangible result

-Develop practical and cognitive skills through storytelling and observation

-Build confidence, socialconnections and a sense of agency

Challenges Refugee Children Face

Refugee children in Lebanonand around the world faceprofound mental health challenges rooted in conflict,displacement and ongoing instability. As of recent UN data, of the over 120 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, around 40% (around 49 million) are children under 18, meaning millions are growing up in environments marked by uncertainty, loss and limited access to education and services. These experiences increase the risk of anxiety, PTSD and emotional distress, affecting children’s development,schooling and ability to build secure relationships.

Yeryüzü Merhamet’s Approach: Why Lebanon?

We have been working in Lebanon for over a decade, supporting Syrian and Palestinian refugees and establishing deep community relationships. Lebanon today hosts one of the largest refugee populations per capita in the world, with significant numbers of vulnerable children living in protracted displacement and ongoing hardship. With this long-standing presence and understanding of local needs, Yeryüzü Merhamet is uniquely positioned to implement a creative mental health initiative that empowers children and amplifies voices that are too often unheard.

How Can You Support?

Project implementation is set to begin in the upcomingweeks.You can help bring this project to life by donating to support refugee children in Lebanon. Your contribution will provide children with the opportunity to express themselves, build confidence and tell their own stories.

Donate now