The school premises buzz with energy; laughter rings out, pencils glide across paper, and feet stomp rhythmically in dance. Beaming smiles replace the wary expressions that once dominated these faces. It is hard to believe that these children, now immersed in creativity, have witnessed the horrors of the Boko Haram insurgency. 

Here, they are not just students but artists, dancers, and dreamers, free to express themselves in ways that words alone cannot capture.

“Whenever I draw, I feel better. It makes me happy, and I get even more excited when I start sketching,” said 14-year-old Aisha Maulud Tahir. 

She is one of many students at Future Prowess Islamic Foundation School in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, a school dedicated to orphans and less privileged children, where creativity is encouraged and embraced as a path to recovery.

Creativity as therapy

For children who have endured war and displacement, trauma leaves deep psychological wounds, disrupting their sense of safety and self-worth. Many struggle to concentrate in class or express their pain. Studies reveal that 94.2 per cent of displaced persons exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

In response, Future Prowess started an annual ‘Creative Week’  in 2022 to help students process trauma and rediscover joy through the arts. “We want to create a space where they can forget their worries, express themselves freely, and rebuild their confidence,” said Mohammad Usman Bunu, the school’s principal.

He said many students struggle to articulate their emotional wounds, and creative activities offer an alternative expression. “Drawing, dancing, and crafting provide a safe space to communicate feelings they can’t put into words,” Bunu added. Over 400 students have participated in the activities so far. 

These activities foster self-expression, helping students discover their talents and future aspirations. Traditional schooling often feels monotonous, but integrating creativity keeps students engaged and enhances productivity. With these creative sessions, even teachers better understand students’ abilities.

‘When I paint…I let go”

Since the introduction of Creative Week, some teachers told HumAngle they have observed “remarkable changes.” Attendance has improved, punctuality has increased, and students once withdrawn or struggling in class now thrive during creative sessions. “Some of the quietest children have become the most active participants,” Feama Usman, a volunteer teacher, told HumAngle.

For many, creativity has become an avenue for emotional release. Zainab Ali, a student, describes how painting helps her navigate difficult emotions. “When I paint, I feel like I can let go of all the sadness inside me. The colours take away the pain and replace it with something beautiful,” she said. 

Thirteen-year-old Umar, inspired by memories of military convoys passing his home, spent hours constructing a miniature gunner truck out of cardboard. “I used to watch them when I was younger, wondering where they were going,” he said. “Now, I can make my own.” 

His creation is more than a toy to him; it is a way to process his past.

Across the room, Hassino assembled a toy car from recycled materials, fashioning a remote control from a bottle cap and screws. Inspired by military aircraft, his brother built a helicopter using a tin can and a recycled motor.

“I will work on making it take off, and I am also planning to develop a wireless remote for my toy car,” he said.

For Aisha Habu, creativity took a different form. She decided to pursue drawing as a career, finding comfort and purpose in every sketch.

The psychological toll 

In Borno State, the prolonged insurgency has displaced over two million people, leaving children particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. While Creative Week offers a therapeutic outlet, the scale of psychological trauma remains immense. By late adolescence, nearly one in four children face serious mental health challenges, often linked to past trauma.

The impact of PTSD extends beyond individual suffering, affecting social cohesion and community stability. Societal responses, such as stigmatisation, discrimination, and a lack of mental health services, exacerbate PTSD, particularly among children in conflict-affected areas.

Yet, even in the face of these challenges, creative expression has emerged as a powerful tool for healing. Schools like Future Prowess use art, dance, and cultural activities to help children process their experiences, rediscover joy, and reconnect with their identities.

“Engaging in cultural and creative activities helps children cope with trauma, especially in northern Nigeria, where traditions play a significant role in people’s lives, reviving cultural events, such as wedding celebrations, cultural displays and local games, can help communities recover,” said Lonkat Enock Tetok, a clinical psychologist with experience working in conflict-affected communities in northeastern Nigeria.

Beyond arts and crafts, Creative Week allows students to reconnect with their cultural heritage. They are dressed in vibrant traditional attire and participate in cultural dances representing different ethnic groups. Their faces light up with joy as their teachers join in, giggling and cheering as performances unfold. 

These moments reinforce a sense of belonging and pride in their roots.

Culturally sensitive trauma-informed care acknowledges the influence of cultural factors on trauma and healing. Research suggests that considering a child’s cultural background optimises therapy outcomes, as cultural beliefs influence reactions to trauma and recovery processes.

Sustaining ‘creative healing’

Cultural and religious beliefs significantly shape the understanding and management of mental health in Nigeria. PTSD is often perceived as “unwanted thoughts, anxieties, and worries”—a fate determined by God or an “affliction of the enemy” that can be overcome through spiritual interventions. Bridging this gap between cultural beliefs and mental health support remains essential in addressing trauma among northern Nigeria’s youth.

For the students of Future Prowess, creativity is not just an escape—it is a path to resilience, a way to reclaim joy, and a tool for rebuilding shattered lives. The school is working to integrate creativity into the curriculum, ensuring students have continuous access to artistic expression as a tool for emotional recovery.

While Creative Week is brief, the school ensures students have a year-round creative outlet. A designated safe space allows them to read, draw, or engage in creative activities during breaks, fostering ongoing emotional and psychological support.

However, sustaining these initiatives requires consistent resources and support. Teachers and administrators hope Creative Week can expand into a year-round programme, providing students with a lasting outlet for healing, self-expression, and personal growth.