In pictures: Syrian children paint a brighter future

Over 600,000 Syrians have found refuge in Jordan. Half of them are children, of which over 50% are out of education due to overcrowding in schools and the fact that many Syrian refugee children are working to support the income of their families. Photograph: AptArt

NGO Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (Acted) partnered with Awareness and Prevention Through Art (AptArt) to provide over 2,000 children in Jordanian refugee camps with art classes. Photograph: AptArt

Acted and AptArt put on over 30 one-week art workshops for children with canvas painting, kite making and street art murals. They provided children with creative outlets of expression and psychosocial support. Photograph: AptArt

The children learned about water conservation (a source of tension in this water-scarce country) and social cohesion between Jordanians and Syrians. They painted the walls of their community with messages of happiness, hope and coexistence. Photograph: AptArt

For Syrians and Jordanians alike, the art creates ownership of shared spaces and encourages community dialogue while infusing colour into otherwise stark landscapes. Photograph: AptArt

Childhoods have been lost to the Syrian conflict and the life as a refugee. The project aims to give children back their childhood by providing a safe space to learn and create. Photograph: AptArt

To showcase the project, Acted and AptArt have organised an exhibition entitled Colours of Resilience in Amman and Frankfurt. Photograph: AptArt

"These young people have been exposed to appalling violence," said AptArt's Samantha Robison. "To help them to recover and one-day rebuild their country, they need a positive and nurturing environment." Photograph: AptArt