Rehabilitation International 2004 –
6 Artworks from the West Bank, Palestine “The Future in Your Hands” 2004
In 2004, Rehabilitation International carried out a unique and meaningful art project focused on children and young people living with disabilities. This project was titled “The Future in Your Hands” and was part of a global initiative aimed at increasing understanding, empathy, and awareness of the experiences of children with disabilities in conflict-affected areas.
The goal of the project was to give children a voice and a platform to express their own experiences, hopes, and dreams through art. By using art as a tool, the aim was to break down prejudices and misunderstandings, and to promote inclusion and respect for the diversity of life situations. The artworks were also intended to serve as a form of self-expression and self-healing, helping to strengthen the children’s self-esteem and identity in a challenging everyday life marked by conflict, limited resources, and social difficulties.
This project was part of a larger international museum initiative, initiated by Rehabilitation International Norway in collaboration with The Atlas Alliance. The vision was to demonstrate how art can serve as a powerful tool for social change and human development. The artworks created by children and young people in the West Bank reflected their personal experiences, dreams, and hopes for the future. They often expressed a strong belief that the future lies in their own hands—that they have the capacity to create change, hope, and opportunities despite the difficult circumstances they live under. The works carry an honest, raw, and often hopeful tone.
Through these artworks, one could see how the children experienced daily life, how they coped with challenges related to disabilities, and how they dreamed of a better future and a desire for peace, freedom, and opportunities. At the same time, they sent a powerful message about the importance of including all people in society, regardless of ability or background.
The project has contributed to raising awareness about the importance of rehabilitation, inclusion, and human rights in conflict zones. It demonstrates that art is not only an aesthetic activity but also a potent way to tell stories, foster understanding, and build bridges between people and cultures. The museum hopes to inspire more attention to the situation in Palestine and other regions where children with disabilities live under even more difficult conditions.
Furthermore, the Children’s Art Museum aims to strengthen the voices of children and give them the opportunity to be heard on a global stage. In short, “The Future in Your Hands” was a project that used art as a tool for hope, understanding, and change. It reminds us that even in the most challenging situations, children and young people have the power to express their dreams and hopes—and that their voices are vital for creating a more inclusive and peaceful future.
childrensart.com
