IsraAID Nepal in collaboration with the embassy of Israel, Kathmandu, concluded three day long exclusive workshop on “Art Therapy: The use of art and creative process for mental wellbeing”from October 04, 2016 to October 06, 2016 at Kathmandu. The workshop was facilitated by the Israeli Art therapists Dr. Elana lakh and Anatgilad where fifteen participants representing various organizations benefitted.  The closing ceremony was glorified with the presence of his Excellency Mr. Yaron Mayer, Ambassador, and the embassy of Israel, Kathmandu, Mr. Mohan Singh Rathore, Chairman of Good Governance and monitoring parliamentary committee, Mr. NabarajDhakal, former AIG, Nepal Police and other distinguished guests.      

The training gave the participants basic understanding of art therapy and its usefulness in ventilating the feelings and emotions and its usefulness in tackling psychosocial issues and trauma prevailing in the Nepali Community. The training emphasize on the use of different material for connectingemotions and also the healing of the negative feelings the training also focused on the guideline that must be followed to use  these art therapy at their workplace . The training mostly focused on using locally available materials and its use in healing process and mental wellbeing.

“Even though the art therapy was new to the participants, they were able to gain and understand the knowledge of art therapy and using the tools creatively for metal wellbeing of Nepali Community” said Dr. Elana Lakh, one of the training facilitator. His Excellency Yaron Mayer highlighted the strong relationship between Israel and Nepal, and shared the Israeli expertise in mental health and psychosocial issues. His Excellency further added that, “The skills and tools received by the participants should be shared with local community to deepen and strengthen the happiness in Nepali community.”

Furthermore, the honorable Member of Parliament, Mr. Mohan Singh Rathore thanked Israeli government for strong and unique ties with Nepal and ensured that Nepal Government will be joining hands with IsraAID and Israel government for rehabilitation of Nepal, post-earthquake.“I am planning to replicate the learnings I have received among my co–workers and friends so that they could use them in their working areas, furthermore I would apply the tools and techniques on myself and in my work “said Monika Dhakal, one of the participants.

The program concluded with the vote of thanks from IsraAID Nepal Country Director, Mr. Ben Dagani and shared IsraAID prolific work in various thematic areas since its inception in Nepal.