Children in Eastern Ghouta, close to Syria's capital, were lucky enough to enjoy Bambino band's show last week.
The show, sponsored by Zaman al-Wasl, included a puppet show, a magician, a DJ, together with competitions and prizes.
The band often organizes activities for the children of embattled Ghouta as a therapeutic exercise to forget the current war, violence, and killing.
Almost 80 children attended the party from three kindergartens. Parents were encouraged not to attend, in hopes of creating a more comfortable atmosphere for the children.
Dia’a al-Assod, the band’s manager, told Zaman al-Wasl that the show was performed in a well protected underground basement, but did not identify the address for children’s safety, fearing targeted bombings.
The band’s manager mentioned that another show will take place next week in which children will participate in drawing, coloring, choreography and discussions about regime massacres.
Assod detailed that next week’s show would invite parents, who could view children’s activities and drawings, along with five different dance performances, and a play, entitled The Massacre.
"It took us two weeks to prepare for the show, as we had to train children on dancing and their roles in the play, along with their work in the drawing and painting for the exhibition" Assod explained.
Assod expressed his gratitude to Zaman al-Wasl for supporting the show, and all other voluntary bodies who try to help children inside Syria undergoing difficult circumstances.
Bambino band, a youth voluntary band, helps traumatised children in Western Ghouta through psychological and therapeutic support.
The band performed around 40 shows in places like schools in Zakia, Morana and Moqailebiyeh, along with kindergartens in Khan al-Sheikh.
The band was formed prior to the Syrian revolution when it included 20 members, with now only six left, as they continue to work under difficult conditions, like lack of electricity and designated place for training and performing.
Zaman al-Wasl will continue to support activities targeting vulnerable children inside Syria as part of its working plan for 2015.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
