Saudi artist and photographer Nabila Abuljadayel has dedicated her talents to supporting Syrian refugees at the Zaatari Camp in Jordan through her volunteer work with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Known for her unique silk portrayals of royal families, Abuljadayel chose to utilize her skills for a noble cause.
Reflecting on her experience at the camp, Abuljadayel expressed her inspiration and hope in bringing people together through the universal language of art. Teaching art courses to students of varying ages and skill levels, she aimed to provide a creative outlet while capturing the efforts of KSrelief and the stories of the camp’s residents through her lens. The strength and perseverance displayed by the refugees continually motivated her.
One of Abuljadayel’s notable contributions was the creation of a colouring book designed specifically for Syrian refugees. The book incorporated culturally relevant elements, such as a girl wearing a hijab and a boy engrossed in reading the Qur’an on his praying mat. Additionally, she imparted the fundamentals of drawing and trained the students to sketch the iconic Grand Mosque of Makkah. Some students even attempted to recreate her artwork, “Wa Isjod Wa Iqtareb,” which depicted a serene moment in the bustling courtyard of the Grand Mosque.
Abuljadayel recounted a heartwarming farewell gift from a student named Ibrahim. Despite not having a canvas, Ibrahim presented her with a beautifully drawn rendition of the Grand Mosque on a piece of cardboard. His progress and dedication, despite limited resources, served as an inspiration to Abuljadayel. She witnessed a glimmer of hope in the eyes of the people at Zaatari Camp, who made the best out of their circumstances.
The students’ positive attitudes touched Abuljadayel deeply. They eagerly participated in the colouring activities and even requested additional colouring books for their siblings to enjoy at home. She firmly believes that art plays a vital role in the emotional and psychological healing of refugees, an aspect often overlooked amidst their numerous challenges. Through art lessons, KSrelief aims to assist refugees in coping with trauma, fostering personal growth, and developing skills that can pave the way for future employment opportunities.
KSrelief provides a sense of community to the camp’s residents by offering a range of programs, including medical, psychological, social, artistic, and educational support. These initiatives not only provide an avenue for expression and healing but also contribute to improving their overall living conditions. The significance of Abuljadayel’s work was further recognized when Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervisor general of KSrelief, presented her artwork titled “Salman the Humanitarian” to King Salman during the opening ceremony of the Saudi humanitarian aid platform in 2018 as part of the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum.