Mental health is a crucial pillar of recovery for communities affected by conflict, particularly for children who have experienced displacement and trauma. While peace is often seen as the absence of war, it is also about fostering environments where individuals—especially children—can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.
At PoM, we support initiatives that provide psychological and emotional support to communities in need, helping them recover from trauma and rebuild their lives. In Quetta, Pakistan, our partnership with the Youth Association for Development (YAD Pakistan) focuses on Afghan refugee children, offering trauma art therapy and collective healing programs. These interventions create safe spaces for children to express their emotions, heal, and foster social cohesion between refugee and host communities.
Trauma can deeply affect a child’s ability to learn, connect with others, and envision a positive future. When left unaddressed, psychological distress can perpetuate cycles of violence and instability. However, by integrating MHPSS into peacebuilding efforts, we help children and communities regain a sense of security, belonging, and hope.For the children in this project, peace is fundamental to their well-being. When asked what peace means to them, their answers reflect a deep understanding of its importance:
“Peace is like oxygen, water, and food. Without peace, we can’t survive”
“Peace is when everyone gets along and helps each other”
“Peace means feeling safe, calm, and loved”
These children see peace as essential for joy, healing, and learning. For them, peace is more than just the absence of conflict—it’s the foundation for a life filled with growth, connection, and hope for the future.
Between 2023 and 2024, this collaboration has supported 446 Afghan refugee and host community children in Baluchistan through a transformative, trauma-informed arts and healing project across eight schools. Guided by art therapists and psychologists, these dedicated sessions have provided children with essential tools for self-expression, emotional regulation, and resilience—helping them process trauma and nurture their mental well-being through creativity.
As we move into 2025, Peace of Mind Foundation remains committed to expanding this critical work. The next phase of the project, running through August 2026, will reach 1,280 Afghan refugee children and host community members, significantly increasing access to essential psychosocial support. This expansion will deepen our impact, ensuring more children receive the care they need to heal and thrive.
Additionally, we are proud to partner with The MHPSS Collaborative, which will conduct an evaluation of the project’s impact. This assessment will help us refine our approach and ensure that our interventions lead to meaningful, lasting change.
By scaling our efforts, we are not only bringing immediate relief but also laying the groundwork for a future where children affected by conflict can rebuild their emotional strength and envision a hopeful future. Stay tuned as we continue sharing updates and insights on this journey toward healing and resilience.