MEX 09 - ART THERAPY AMONG MIGRANTS
Project Location
Mexico City is a crucial point for migratory dynamics in Latin America, representing a crossroads for migrants from various parts of Mexico and Central America. For some years, the city has been both a destination for those seeking economic opportunities and protection, and a transit point for those intending to reach the north of the country. Many migrants stop in Mexico City waiting for the so-called "cita" (appointment) to continue their journey and present themselves at the border with the necessary documents to enter the United States.
Many migrants are camped out on the streets with makeshift tents that they have prepared to protect themselves and have shelter, others are instead hosted in shelters, too few for the number of migrants present in Mexico City. The migrant population that lives in the city is mostly made up of young families with their children, single women with children, teenagers and men, all fleeing from situations of violence, oppression, poverty and persecution by their governments or organized crime that has left them no other alternative than to leave everything and migrate to safer lands.
Every meeting with migrants, both in the various camps and in the shelters with which we collaborate, invites us to listen and walk with them, accompanying them in their processes of integral growth, giving the time necessary to create relationships of trust. This happens through individual and group meetings, especially with migrant women, through integration and group therapy paths using the methodology of play and art therapy.
Project description
The project develops in two phases: the first is that of the game which is a methodology of integration between migrants, offering them a safe and inclusive space where people of different cultures, languages and experiences can connect, express themselves and build positive relationships.
This first moment facilitates the overcoming of barriers, enhances differences, builds relationships of trust that then allow to experience the second moment of group art therapy, where each member is called to use various materials and artistic techniques to create their own work. Each person comes into contact with themselves and communicates through the artistic work their state of mind, their emotions, their dreams, their fears and what they experienced along the migratory path until arriving in Mexico City.
This artistic and creative process helps women to trust their emotions and feelings, to free themselves from the burdens they had carried for so long and they manage without too many words to share their story in a context of mutual trust and acceptance of diversity of expression.
Art therapy provides the opportunity for non-verbal communication and gives the possibility to express one's emotions, feelings, wounds and disappointments. Through shapes and colors it is possible to create a connection between what they have inside and what makes up the external reality, harmonizing both dimensions to live the time of waiting and stopping with more awareness and recognition of themselves in relation to the reality that surrounds them and with an uncertain future that awaits them.
The project is carried out in shelters in some neighborhoods of Mexico City. The women involved are divided into six daily groups of 12/14 people who meet 3 times a week. Each session lasts 3 hours. The group of women involved in the activity are between 20 and 40 years old.
Objectives
- Allow women, through art therapy, to process trauma and reduce stress and anxiety
- Create awareness in women of their own experiences, welcoming their emotions and feelings
- Increase the physical and mental well-being of the women involved
- Strengthen women's self-esteem and hope
- Create bridges of dialogue and peace with the local community
Beneficiaries
Direct: 1,000 migrant women
Indirect: families and the local community
Referent sister: Sr Kathia Di Serio
Project's costs