The goal of this project is to facilitate social inclusion of orphaned children housed at SOS Kotayk through art therapy. Funded by the Jirair S. and Elizabeth Hovnanian Foundation, three modes are implemented:
- Puppetry workshop and children mobile puppet theatre. Up to 25 children between the ages of 8 and 15 will learn puppetry, master puppet actor’s skills, and perform for approximately 150 children in SOS Kotayk and the surrounding communities. The theatre will introduce national values to the children, teach them to distinguish between good and evil, educate their worldview, and enrich insights.
- Pottery workshop. Up to 15 children between the ages of 8 and 15 will participate in pottery to develop motility of fingers and to reduce stress and aggression.
- Sand therapy. Sometimes children are unable to verbalize emotional states, particularly in the face of trauma, neglect, or abuse. Intended for children between the ages of 3 and 15, the non-verbal nature of sand therapy can help children achieve feelings of comfort and security. This method of therapy serves as a valuable and powerful outlet for children and an incredibly insightful method of gaining access to traumatic experiences.
