PH Embassy in Lebanon Promotes Welfare of Filipino-Lebanese Children

H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat (center) and Philippine Embassy personnel with the Filipino-Lebanese children and their parents to support the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. (Beirut PE Photo)

BEIRUT 04 December 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon organized an art therapy session for children at the Chancery as a culminating activity for National Children’s Month on 30 November 2023. This activity is in line with this year’s theme, i.e., “Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All.” 

A total of 24 children, with ages ranging from 5 to 13 years old, participated in the session along with their parents. The activity began with a photo opportunity with the Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat, as he welcomed the parents and children to the chancery. 

The event also coincided with the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) campaign in line with Republic Act 9262. This initiative reflects the Embassy’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for children while addressing the critical issues of violence prevention and awareness, especially among women migrant workers in Lebanon.

The art therapy session consisted of five different activities for the children to express their creativity and be relieved from stress and anxiety. They started with a warm-up game where they formed a big circle to get the children energized and excited for the next activities. After which, they did a “mirror exercise” where they imitated the facilitator's and each other’s movements. These exercises aim to develop their mindfulness and observational skills and encourage a sense of partnership with other people.

Later on, the children were provided with masks where they were instructed to draw an emotion they express openly and an emotion that they keep hidden. The children were encouraged to share the meaning behind their artwork to promote empathy and open communication through a creative process.

The Embassy’s commitment to the promotion of the rights and welfare of children in celebration of the National Children’s Month and Anti-VAWC campaign is manifested through meaningful activities that uphold their mental health and encourage the nurturing of a sense of empathy among their peers. The Embassy empowers children to contribute to a society where violence has no place. END

Ms. Rola Souheil, a community engagement expert and IOM consultant, facilitated the “mirror game” for the children. (Beirut PE Photo)

Filipino-Lebanese children actively participated during the art therapy session and post-activity processing.  (Beirut PE Photo)

For more information, visit https://www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinLebanon/.