Imagine being a child in Iraq. Fear of attacks and bombings are a daily grim reality. Adults are extremely frustrated with so many things–the lack of security and jobs, extremely high cost of living, breakdowns of infrastructure–no electricity, no water. The list goes on. When adults find it increasingly difficult to cope, children suffer too. Now, imagine having to leave what is left of your home and travel to a different country where you are a refugee with whoever is left from your family.  These are the children served by the Webdah School and Family Center in Jordan.

In the spring of 2005, Eastside Friends (Quakers) became aware of an art therapy program in Iraq, run by civilians, working to help children deal with the trauma of war and for two years, all the money donated to purchase our hand painted cards went to buy art supplies for this project.

By 2007, we found it increasingly difficult to get art supplies and games to the children in Baghdad. We contacted Claudia Lefko of the Iraqi Children's Art Exchange (ICAE) and through ICAE found out about the Webdah School and Family Center in Amman, Jordan.   The Webdah School provides art opportunities for Iraqi refugee children… “Using art to touch and connect children and youth to one another.”  

Both programs believe in the inherent creativity and loving potential of all children. They believe that through art therapy children stressed and isolated due to years of war and poverty, can develop self-confidence, learn the value of working with others, and find creative and beautiful ways of dealing with stressful situations.

Creators of our cards share the vision of both programs, but for now, our donations go to the Webdah School and Family Center through the Iraqi Children’s Art Exchange.

How the Card Project Works

Members and attenders of Eastside Friends Meeting (Quakers) provide blank cards, envelopes, and watercolor pencils. People of all ages, at Quaker and Interfaith events, create the colorful cards. It is a joy to watch the drawing and painting process! Volunteers often begin reluctantly, unsure of their artistic skills. However, many times after completing one card, the artist asks, “Can I do another?” The answer is always, “Yes!” Four or five cards later, the volunteers pull away from the table, satisfied with their contributions. The cards dry. Other people visit the table, choose their favorite cards, and make a donation—pleased with their one–of–a–kind originals.

All donations help support art programs for Iraqi children. Please visit the website of the Webdah School and Family Center in Amman, Jordan to learn more about their programs for Iraqi refugee children;  http://www.iraqichildrensart.org/current.html.

We join adults and children, especially in Iraq and Jordan, praying that all Iraqi children will soon be able to carry on their lives in peace, a prayer extended to children throughout the world.