Helping Women Recover and Heal
There is nothing more healing than working with clay and letting your creativity play!
I am passionate about working with clay and giving vulnerable persons a safe space in which to relax and connect with their hearts through art. I am currently teaching sculpture -- at an NGO called Damaris -- to women who have been trafficked and exploited. I am using my skills and experience as a sculptor and art teacher to set up Damaris' new “Pottery Empowerment Program”. ​
Pottery Empowerment Program and its benefits!
All ceramic pieces made by the women are sold with its proceeds going back into funding the organisation's work to house, support, heal and empower these women to indepence with a dignified job. Alongside offering these women the opportunity to heal throught the arts, this new program will also secure a new, sustainble pipeline of income for the organisation.
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I have a background in teaching art, speak fluent Spanish and French and so, will be bringing all my gifts together to train these women in pottery, as many are coming from French and Spanish-speaking countries. ​
I'm working at a Christian nonprofit organization that operates two safe houses in Athens, Greece, and offers a long-term recovery program (3-7 years) for women and their children who have been or are at a high risk of sexual exploitation or trafficking. Its program is designed to guide survivors into full rehabilitation and reintegration into society by addressing the following needs:
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Trauma and mental health support
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Offering vocational training for the workplace environment
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Giving access to public services for documents and social integration
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Teaching life skills, personal goals, relationship management, and parenthood
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Providing access to medical services and daily hygiene​​
Human Trafficking
Due to Greece's geographical location bridging the East to the West in Europe -- and prostitution also being legal in Greece -- Greece is inundated with 80% of all European human trafficking, often being the country of transit where women are kept for 3 months then shipped to a final destination. (Spain currently has the highest demand in Europe).
Greece also has refugees landing on Greek islands. One in three ships that set sail will make it; the other two go missing. These populations are desperate. Women refugees can often fall prey to trafficking, as well.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Damaris and this cause which is close to my heart!
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May we all find peace, inspiration and healing through the arts!
(Pictured) my pastel drawing (2011) after Gregory Colbert's "Boy Reading to Elephant".
(Pictured above) Some pottery dishes the ladies and I made together my first week volunteering at CHD. April 2024
I Hope...
Through teaching sculpture to these women, I also hope to gain a better understanding of the complexities and intricacies of human trafficking. I hope to become an extension to their voices and help to shine a light on the issue. It really is an international issue and largely a women's issue (though men are also falling victim). I even envision a future sculpture exhibition on the topic (watch this space :) to help spread awareness!
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Like with all big issues, the more we know, the more empowered we are to take action -- even in small ways. Please subscribe below to my newsletter and join the journey with me!