Between 12 and 15 and 26 July 2026, the PAO Project conducted three HEART Program sessions as part of the project “Integrated Water, Environmental Health, Mental Health, and Psychosocial Well-being Initiative for Syrian Refugees in Iraq,” implemented by the Public Aid Organization (PAO) with support from Save the Children. The sessions targeted children aged 6–17 years.
The sessions featured a dynamic and interactive learning environment, where children participated in a variety of age-appropriate activities, including relaxation exercises, the favorite animal activity, concentration games, the leader activity, and free-play activities tailored to each age group.
These activities aimed to provide children with a safe and supportive space to express themselves, build self-confidence, and strengthen essential life skills such as concentration, communication, teamwork, and cooperation through play-based learning.
The sessions witnessed active participation and positive engagement from the children, highlighting the important role of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities in promoting psychological well-being, developing life skills, and creating a nurturing environment that encourages positive interaction, social inclusion, and healthy relationships.
The HEART sessions are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the mental health and psychosocial well-being of Syrian refugee children in Iraq, contributing to their resilience, emotional development, and overall well-being.
PAO
