How a Children’s Book Empowers Survivors of Child Abuse

‘Little Heroes’ is a coffee table book created in collaboration with UNICEF Egypt, born from a long-term art therapy program designed for children who have survived various forms of violence. These children, including Egyptian nationals and refugees from Sudan and Palestine, were given an opportunity to express themselves through art, particularly during difficult times when verbal communication proved challenging.

“Two years ago, I was at an art exhibition, and they had Salma, my friend. It was her project, and they were exhibiting these art pieces of the children who have been subjected to different forms of domestic violence,” May Abdelasim, Founder of What  Want Magazine’s 16 Days of Activism Festival, tells CairoScene. “And I said, ‘Why don't we do a coffee a coffee table book to raise awareness, and to actually tell the stories of the children and allow them to tell their own narrative?'”

The book features a collection of artwork created by these children, each piece telling a personal story of hardship, healing and hope. Accompanying these artworks are direct quotes from the children themselves, including simple yet powerful wishes like, “I wish my dad would stop beating me, and take me to a football game.”

“The program provided a space for children to have a voice, non-verbally, which can often be easier for children, especially those who have experienced trauma,” said Salma Elfawal, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF.

‘Little Heroes’ acts as not only a tool for empowerment, but also as an advocacy resource. The book is designed for adults, primarily parents, to raise awareness about the effects of different forms of violence on children, and to recognize how art can be a powerful tool for rehabilitation, self-expression, and healing. By amplifying the voices of these children, ‘Little Heroes’ puts an emphasis on the collective action needed to support vulnerable children in the community.