A Journey of Creativity: Advancing True Social Inclusion

It's through the most enterprising and inspiring way that the Purposeful Assembly, with the support of Baytna, has undertaken an enormous task to make people with special needs active contributors to society. This movement is driven by the belief that people with special needs not only can but have the will and determination to realize their dreams and become role models for all.

Appreciating that real social integration begins with an intense study of challenges and opportunities available for people with special needs, the Assembly executed an extensive research program in northwestern Syria. The research aimed at a close documentation of their living conditions as detailed and accurate as possible, highlighting participation constraints and exploring opportunities, which might be used to improve their further integration into society. It also aimed to provide relevant guidelines for improving their quality of life and their full inclusion.

This research was not an abstract academic exercise, though it served as a hands-on foundation leading toward impactful activities in the project We Can2; one such project included 14 carefully selected children with special needs who were taken on board to embark on a transforming creative journey. These children, selected based on the research findings, were offered the opportunity to attend an intensive drawing course. Drawing was chosen as one of the main mediums because it is prominent in communication and self-expression, especially for children with verbal communication problems.

Drawing is far more than an artistic hobby; it is a universal language through which children can express their feelings, thoughts, and dreams. This course gave children the ability to develop their artistic, linguistic, expressive, and emotional potential. Each child had a personal conversation with the paper and colors; children drew pictures of their wishes and dreams about their future and aspirations. Drawings show the inner self of each of them, which would never have been conveyed without such a creative, deeply profound outlet for emotions.

The creative process was not an act by the children alone; it was made possible by a highly committed team of professionals and volunteers. It had full coverage of psychological, social, and educational needs through the working team—majorly formed by highly committed volunteers—which meant the children could overcome many oddities in translating their creative vision into reality. 

At the end of this journey, there was a public exhibition of the children's artworks. More than that, the exhibition became a celebration of these children with special needs in the expression of their creativity, resilience, and passion. Further, it became one of those events that engaged others: more children with special needs were inspired to join and contribute their artwork, filling this exhibition space with diversity in creativity.

The exhibition received wide media coverage, and the training and the actual exhibitions were aired. Such media exposure helped greatly raise awareness among community members about the rights and needs of people with special needs and created a better community environment where every person can be supported and appreciated.

This project is one huge step toward creating an inclusive society—a society that not only tolerates diversity but celebrates it in all its manifestations. This only goes to underline the fact that those with special needs have immense potential for success and can significantly contribute to society. It also serves as a strong reminder of the importance of extending opportunities for them to prove themselves. It is at once a tribute to the strength, endurance, and ingenuity of people with special needs and an appeal to the broader community to empower these people and give them every opportunity to develop their full potential.