NABLUS, August 21, 2010 (WAFA- While living under occupation in the West Bank, young children are often exposed to violence that can have severe adverse affects on their psychological well-being. With the limited availability of professional healthcare clinics that treat psychological disorders, many of these children go untreated and become more detached from their emotions following exposure to traumatic events. This has become a growing concern, particularly in the Northern West Bank area of Nablus Governorate.

Recognizing the need to resolve this important issue, the Syndicate of Psychological and Social Workers (SPSW) sought the support of USAID and ARD's Civic Engagement Program (CEP). Together USAID/CEP and SPSW developed an alternative form of trauma rehabilitation which used music therapy to treat young children between the ages of 9 and 16. USAID/CEP hired certified professionals who trained 30 volunteers from 10 villages across Nablus Governorate during a 1 month period; these volunteers conducted the music therapy workshops, spanning 4 months, in which approximately 500 children participated and were successfully treated.

Many of the children had never played musical instruments but were eager to learn. Parents had hoped that not only would music therapy offer a creative outlet but would also increase cultural knowledge and music appreciation. One mother from Sara village mentioned that 'since the beginning of the second intifada, several developments took place which affected my kids in a negative way. They developed very hostile behavior. These kinds of workshops have played a significant role in changing their behavior for the better. During the music therapy sessions, it was noticeable that my child was becoming friendlier.'

Sessions began with group conversations which encouraged children to openly discuss their fears and express their thoughts with their peers and counselors. Each session was divided into 3 topics: group building, open dialogue and music therapy.