Children are rarely asked what they think about war or what it feels like to be forced to leave behind their homeland, loved ones, and childhood. The abrupt loss of familiar culture and emotional support networks can lead to long-lasting psychological stress. For young people especially, this displacement often brings feelings of isolation and alienation. Many refugee-status youth resettled in the U.S. are first-generation students with little to no guidance on high school or college pathways, often facing the challenge of navigating the American education system alone. On top of this difficult transition, since children and youth tend to acquire new languages more quickly than adults, they often become the primary bridge between their families and the outside world—taking on adult responsibilities far too early.

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Hamrah Arts Club offers a creative and supportive outlet to help these young people face such challenges. Through trauma-informed art projects and somatic practices, Hamrah creates a safe space grounded in playfulness, joy, and healing—essential elements for fostering a sense of belonging. The club also provides practical support: mentorship, career coaching, mental health workshops, job search assistance, and tutoring in English, math, and science, as well as field trips that expand cultural and creative horizons.

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Hamrah’s community is deeply rooted in the collective cultures of the Global South. For many members, displacement has meant a painful separation from the core of their extended families—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins—who once shaped their daily lives. This shared sense of loss informs the spirit of Hamrah’s gatherings. The community intentionally recreates spaces of connection, celebration, and collective care—offering participants not only a support network but also a sense of family and home.