Displaced Artsakh Child Finds Healing Through Christ-Centered Art Program

A young boy displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, is finding a path toward healing through a Christ-centered program operated by the Family and Community NGO in Armenia. Following the 2023 military offensive that forced over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee the region, the boy arrived at the center struggling with the trauma of his displacement. Initially, his artwork was dominated by dark imagery, including black suns and clouds, reflecting his experiences during the conflict.

Knarik Garanfilyan, president of the NGO, notes that the boy’s drawings have evolved over two years of participation in the program. While his recent art now features brighter colors and themes of friendship, Garanfilyan observes that some elements, such as black doors and windows, remain, suggesting that the healing process is ongoing. The organization serves between 350 and 400 children annually across three centers in Armenia, providing support as they navigate the long-term effects of their displacement. Garanfilyan emphasizes that while many children appear to be playing and laughing, they often carry deep, unseen stories of loss that require sustained care.