From 15 September to 31 December 2025, the "Colors, Shapes, Art" project was implemented at the Hesepe State Reception Center. The aim was to provide children and families with refugee experience with low-threshold access to creative education and shared experiences.

Creativity as a bridge

Many of the participating children have grown up under particularly difficult conditions - some were born in refugee camps, others have had little or no access to school education. Children from Roma families in the Balkans were also part of the target group. The project deliberately focused on an open, low-threshold offer: They painted, folded, kneaded, cut, sprayed and designed in and in front of the Amal e.V. containers - often outdoors well into the fall and winter months. Paper, clay, spray cans, watercolors, colored pencils and pencils were used in equal measure.

Finding peace through shapes and colors

Working with geometric shapes in particular had a calming and structuring effect. Many participants - children, young people and adults - experienced moments of concentration and inner reflection through the creative activities. The response was impressive: even before the event began, many were waiting outside the door to take part. It quickly became apparent that the offer had a cross-generational effect. In order to cater for everyone, separate tables were set up for children and adults so that everyone had their own space to create. In total, the project reached around 300 people from different countries of origin, including around 100 children.

Moving moments

The project was characterized by numerous touching encounters:

• An autistic child, who regularly took part with his father, opened up step by step - and finally said quietly several times: "How beautiful."
• An illiterate 40-year-old woman formed a cube together with others and learned about the connection between geometric shapes and numbers for the first time. Shortly afterwards, she began to play with others.
• Children began to draw objects independently and realize their own creative ideas.
• Groups of women discovered painting mandalas for themselves and reported how much this activity calmed them down.
• These moments show the power that creative processes can unfold - regardless of age, background or level of education.

Exhibition and publicity

The resulting works were presented in an exhibition at Amal e.V.. The exhibition was shown over several days as part of open days, the Christmas market and a Romanian festival. Around 500 visitors viewed the exhibits, asked questions and made their own suggestions.

Outlook

Further development of the project is planned for 2026. Building on the experience gained, the exhibition is to be designed more professionally and presented in cooperation with schools. An accompanying school project day is also planned, during which the exhibition will be expanded together with pupils.

"Colors, Shapes, Art" impressively demonstrates how creative educational opportunities can create spaces for encounters, peace and learning - and how art builds bridges between people from different walks of life.