My art

These stories depict not only grief and struggle, but also strength, resilience and the beauty of hope.

1. A story from Syria:
Halimah, mother of two: “Our house was once full of laughter. The kids ran around in the yard, and my husband and I sat on the patio every evening and watched the sunset. Everything changed when war came. We had to leave everything – our home, our country, our memories. Now I draw sunsets and teach my children to dream about the future. Maybe one day they will see home again, if only through my stories.”

2. A story from Iran:
Leila, a young woman: “I have always loved flowers. The gardens were beautiful in my village, full of fragrance and colour. When we left Iran, all I could take with me was a small album with drawings of flowers. At each place we stop, I add new flowers to the album. It’s my way of remembering the beauty of life, even when all seems grey.”

3. A story from Afghanistan:
Rahim, 17 years old: “I was a child when violence became part of our everyday life. My family tried to protect me, but after I lost my parents I had to go on alone. I have learned a lot on this trip – how to be brave, how to survive, and how to dream about getting an education. I draw mountains because they symbolise strength and perseverance, the things I need to succeed.”

4. A story of community:
Sami, art teacher at a centre: “When I came here, I was broken. I had nothing except my knowledge of drawing and painting. I started running workshops, and I saw the way art helped people. Children draw their homes, adults draw their memories, and together we all draw the future. That’s what connects us – art is our common language.”

5. A story of hope:
Noura, a young girl from Syria: “I am 10 years old and I like to draw birds. They can fly wherever they want, and I wish I could be like them. Sometimes I dream about seeing the school in my village again, and being with all my friends. But now my teacher here tells me to keep drawing and learning. Maybe one day I will become an artist who draws for the whole world.”