About Us
At Beyond Us, we believe that art is more than just a form of self-expression. It has the power to transform lives and bring hope to the most vulnerable among us. That's why we've made it our mission to empower refugee children and teenagers through the transformative power of art.
Our journey began with a group of passionate individuals who wanted to make a difference in the lives of refugee children. We saw the struggles they faced every day—the trauma, the isolation, and the lack of access to education and opportunities. But we also saw their incredible resilience and creativity, and we knew we had to do something to help them harness their potential.
And so, we founded Beyond Us—an international community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a heartwarming mission to empower refugee children and teenagers through the transformative power of art. Our approach is simple yet impactful—we provide creative workshops to these young minds, offering a safe space to explore their creativity and express themselves freely.
Through our workshops, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and community, helping these kids build confidence and resilience. We work with local partners to ensure that our programs are tailored to the specific needs of each community we serve. We collaborate with a team of talented artists and educators passionate about making a difference.
Beyond Us is a story of hope, compassion, and resilience. It's a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, of reaching beyond themselves to touch the lives of others. And it's a story that is still unfolding, with new chapters being written every day. Join us and be a part of this beautiful story, where art has the power to change lives, and everyone is welcome beyond themselves.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to use the universal language of art to provide refugee children and teenagers a platform for self-expression and healing. We are committed to making a safe and supportive place where these vulnerable people can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and build their confidence. Our programs and partnerships aim to empower these young people to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where every refugee child and teenager can access creative outlets that support healing, self-expression, and personal growth. We strive to create a future where these young people can unlock their full potential, build confidence, and learn new skills that will enable them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Our Core Values
- Creativity: We believe every individual can create, innovate, and think outside the box. Through our creative workshops, we strive to cultivate creativity in refugee children and teenagers, encouraging them to express themselves freely and develop their unique talents and abilities. Creativity has the power to transform lives, and we aim to inspire and empower our participants to use their creativity as a tool for positive change.
- Community: We believe fostering community and belonging is essential to empowering refugee children and teenagers. Our workshops provide a safe and inclusive space where participants can connect with one another, share their experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond the workshop. We believe that by creating a strong community, we can create a sense of hope and belonging that can positively impact the lives of our participants.
- Empowerment: We believe that every individual has the ability to make a positive impact on their community, regardless of their circumstances. Through our workshops, we strive to empower refugee children and teenagers to use their creative talents and skills to effect change in their communities. We believe that by empowering our participants to become change-makers, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond the workshop and inspires others to create positive change. We believe empowerment is the key to creating a better future for refugee communities, and we are committed to helping our participants realize their full potential.
Our Work
The Balata Refugee Camp Art Project:
The Balata Refugee Camp Art Project was an initiative that brought together local and international artists to provide creative workshops for the children in the camp. Our workshops focused on different art forms, such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. They were designed to encourage self-expression and provide a safe space for the children to explore their creativity. In addition, we also organized painting sessions where we worked with the kids to paint the walls of the camp, creating a more colorful and uplifting environment. This activity allowed the children to take ownership of their environment and create a more positive atmosphere. The camp walls became a canvas for the children's imaginations, creating a more colorful and uplifting environment for all.
The Jerash Refugee Camp Project:
Beyond Us hosted a transformative summer camp in the Jerash Refugee Camp, featuring three creative workshops designed to empower refugee children through art and self-expression.
In the Mask-Making Workshop, guided by talented artists and educators, the children crafted masks using a variety of materials, allowing them to externalize their emotions and inner thoughts through unique creations. The primary objective was to empower the children, nurturing their artistic and creative abilities while fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work. The workshop also served as a therapeutic outlet for the children to explore their feelings, providing valuable tools to cope with challenges they faced.
In the Mural-Making Workshop, the children were introduced to acrylic colors and painting techniques, collaborating as a unified community to transform the camp's walls into captivating murals. Under skilled artists' guidance, the children's creativity flourished, bringing their collective visions of hope and unity to life. Beyond the artistic aspect, the workshop fostered a profound sense of community and belonging, turning the walls into vibrant canvases of empowerment.
In the Storytelling Workshop, guided by passionate facilitators, the children engaged in exercises stimulating their imaginations and confidence in narrating stories. Drawing inspiration from their cultural heritage, they discovered the joy of weaving narratives, nurturing self-confidence and authentic self-expression. The workshop also served as a platform for cultural exchange, celebrating shared humanity while respecting diverse backgrounds.
Through these impactful workshops, Beyond Us created an environment where refugee children could express themselves creatively, discover their strength, and experience the power of community. The summer camp became a transformative experience, leaving a lasting impression of hope, resilience, and the boundless potential of art to shape lives.
Photo Gallery
Help Our Cause
We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. That's why we are working tirelessly to empower refugee children through the arts. We provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can express themselves, learn new skills, and build their self-confidence. But we can't do it alone. Your donation can make a real impact on the lives of these children. Your donation will go directly toward providing essential resources like art supplies, teacher training, and other necessary expenses.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
