Men and Boys' Trauma Project: Rakan shares his story

While most of our work focuses on women and girls, our recent Men and Boys’ Trauma project is having a powerful impact on males who have lived through equally difficult times of war and conflict.

Now in its second iteration due to the huge success of the pilot, the project is taking place at Domiz 2 camp for Syrian refugees, offering sessions in subjects like English, art and music therapy, as well as much-needed mental health counselling.

Rakan, who is 37 and originally from Qamishlo in Syria, fled his homeland in 2013 as the devastating war engulfed the region. He sought refuge in Domiz camp, and decided to sign up to the second run of our Men and Boys’ Trauma project – which is being delivered alongside our partners Khaima so that he could make friends and learn new skills. 

He says: “It has made me feel better mentally and socially. It’s great to receive psychological support and to explore my feelings through art therapy. I’ve never done that before! During the project, I have also been taking English language lessons and attending awareness sessions, which makes me more knowledgeable and develops my skills.”

Rakan adds: “I love being here, and I like the focus on men and boys’ mental wellbeing. I appreciate the efforts of the organisers of such programmes and I hope these opportunities continue for other refugee men and boys.”

Previously, men and boys have had little opportunity to address their hidden inner trauma, with strict social norms making it almost impossible for them to find an outlet for their pain and anger. During the war, many men witnessed terrible atrocities and were themselves beaten or threatened, while they commonly also saw women being subjected to violence and abuse.

Prior to our project, there have also been no services specifically supporting men and boys’ mental health and education in Domiz 2 camp. These services are especially needed as according to local authorities and community representatives who participated in consultation meetings last summer, mental health disorders and suicidal tendencies rose sharply during the pandemic.

Our project was accordingly designed to encourage healing through the sharing of past experiences – and we’re so pleased it’s continuing to make a difference.