Creative Healing for Gaza’s Displaced Youth

Product Description

Germany

Support Creative Healing for Displaced Palestinian Children in Cairo

Since October 2023 over 100.000 Palestinian families have fled Gaza and found refuge in Cairo. Among them are many children and teenagers who have lost their homes, schools, and in many cases, their loved ones. After surviving unimaginable violence and grief, they now often live in overcrowded apartments in a vast and unfamiliar city, often without access to safe spaces or activities that could help them begin to heal.

Their parents — displaced and grieving themselves — are doing everything they can, but the emotional and financial burdens are overwhelming. Many of these children dont have access to school, and families cannot afford extracurricular programs.

We want to change that.

At Shams Collective, we are building a space for creative healing, joy, and community — specifically for displaced children and youth from Gaza living in Cairo. Our work is based on trust, mutual care, and a non-hierarchical approach.

We will offer trauma-informed activities that include:

-Fine art, storytelling, music, film, photography, theater, DJing, and poetry – Somatic movement, martial arts, yoga, and play -Healing time in nature, gardening, and animal-assisted therapy

-Mentorship Programms -Parent support circles to help caregivers process their experiences and support their children’s healing

Why Shams?

The word “Shams” means “sun” in Arabic, symbolizing light, warmth, and new beginnings. In a world that has been marked by loss and displacement, Shams Collective is a beacon of hope—a space where young people from Gaza can heal, express themselves, and rediscover their strength. Through creative activities, movement, and connection with nature, we aim to provide them with the tools to shine and reclaim their joy despite the hardships they’ve faced.

Who is behind Shams Collective?

My name is Muriel (Instagram: @030muriel). I’m originally from Berlin and have years-long experience living and working in Cairo. For over a year, I have been accompanying displaced families here closely, providing Mutual Aid in hospitals, at home, and by building grassroots support networks on a daily basis. This hands-on work has allowed me to deeply understand their struggles, as well as their hopes and dreams.

In addition to my community work, I am a writer with a background in creative practice and childcare. I firmly believe in the transformative power of art, music, and nature to help us grieve, resist, and heal. This belief fuels the mission of Shams Collective—offering displaced youth from Gaza an opportunity to express themselves, regain a sense of agency, and heal from trauma through creative, movement and nature-based activities.

The idea of creating a dedicated space for the youth came directly from the parents, who expressed the need for more opportunities for their children and themselves to heal and thrive. Shams Collective aims to build a community space where displaced families can engage in creative expression, be supported in their healing journeys, and contribute as facilitators, offering them a meaningful role in shaping the space. This project will not only serve the youth but also empower members of the community, giving them the chance to lead and be a part of something transformative.

What we need now:

We are raising money to launch the first phase of this project. This includes:

-covering space rental in Cairo

-materials and instruments

-outings to parks, farms, sea sides

-transportation & snacks

-the beginnings of a small, dedicated team of educators, artists, therapists and facilitators.

We’re not waiting for institutions. We’re building now — with deep love, solidarity, and vision.

Please share and support our campaign if you can. Every contribution helps us create moments of joy and healing for these children — and a space where they can just be kids again.

Juliane Kampa