Aidspring foundation

Healing Invisible Wounds: AidSpring’s Mental Health

Programs for Children in Syria

TALLINN, ESTONIA — March 2026

The Hidden Crisis: Children’s Mental Health

While the physical destruction of Syria’s conflict is visible to the world, the psychological damage inflicted on the country’s children remains largely invisible. An estimated 90% of Syrian children have been affected by the conflict, and studies suggest that a majority show symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions.

AidSpring Foundation has made children’s mental health a core priority of its Syria programs. Through a network of child-friendly spaces, trained counselors, and community-based support programs, AidSpring is helping thousands of children process trauma, rebuild emotional resilience, and recover their childhoods.

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Child-Friendly Spaces: Safe Havens for Healing

AidSpring has established 25 child-friendly spaces across Syria—safe, colorful, and welcoming environments where children can play, learn, and express themselves freely. Each space is staffed by trained facilitators and counselors who provide structured activities including art therapy, music, drama, storytelling, and group games.

These activities are not merely recreational—they are carefully designed therapeutic interventions that help children express emotions they may not have words for, process traumatic experiences, and develop coping skills. Art therapy, in particular, has proven highly effective for children who struggle to verbalize their feelings.

Trained Counselors and Community Volunteers

AidSpring’s mental health programs are led by qualified psychologists and social workers who specialize in child trauma. The foundation has also trained over 200 community volunteers in psychological first aid, enabling them to identify children in distress and provide initial support before referring them to professional services.

Individual counseling is available for children with severe symptoms, while group therapy sessions help children realize they are not alone in their experiences. Family counseling is also provided, recognizing that children’s recovery is deeply connected to the wellbeing of their caregivers.

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“Art gave me a way to show what I feel inside. I draw my house before the war, and my teacher says it is beautiful. Drawing helps me not be so scared.”

— Sara, age 9, AidSpring Child-Friendly Space Participant

Integrating Mental Health into Schools

AidSpring is also working to integrate mental health awareness and support into its education programs. Teachers in AidSpring-supported schools receive training in recognizing signs of psychological distress and providing classroom-based psychosocial support. School-based counseling services are available for students who need additional help.

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Support Children’s Mental Health

AidSpring Foundation invites donors to support its mental health programs. A $30 donation can provide one month of psychosocial support for a child. Visit aidspringfoundation.org to learn more.