Harnessing Drama To Help Children Develop Coping Mechanisms and Resilience In Conflict Settings

By Olorunjuwon Oloruntoba

In humanitarian crises, children are among the most vulnerable, often facing deep emotional scars from displacement, violence, and loss. During my time working with UNICEF in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, I developed Psychosocial Theatre, a form of therapeutic drama aimed at providing psychosocial support for children in emergency settings.

This approach has proven to be a powerful tool in helping children express their emotions, build coping mechanisms, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.

Children affected by conflict often struggle to articulate their pain, making it difficult for them to process trauma. UNICEF and its implementing partners created Safe Spaces where children could feel secure and supported, providing an environment where they could engage in Psychosocial Theatre without fear or judgment. These spaces allowed children and community volunteers to open up during improvisation sessions, sharing their stories through role-playing and storytelling. Drama gave them a non-verbal, creative way to externalize their emotions, helping to ease anxiety and provide a sense of relief.

Building Coping Mechanisms Through Theatrical Techniques

Beyond emotional release, Psychosocial Theatre equips children with essential coping strategies. I integrated theatrical techniques such as improvisation and interactive storytelling to teach problem-solving skills. For instance, children were encouraged to create alternative endings to conflict scenarios, helping them develop a sense of urgency and resilience. Role playing different characters also helped them understand emotions, improving their ability to manage stress and navigate difficult situations. These techniques not only strengthened their emotional intelligence but also prepared them for real-life challenges.

Fostering Resilience and Social Connection Through Performance

One of the most significant impacts of Psychosocial Theatre was its ability to rebuild social connections. Many children in emergency settings have been separated from their families or communities, leading to isolation and fear. In the Safe Spaces provided by UNICEF and its partners, group drama activities helped restore their sense of belonging by encouraging teamwork, cooperation, and trust. I witnessed children who were initially withdrawn become more confident through performances, developing friendships and support networks in the process. Drama also helped them reclaim their voices and identities, instilling a renewed sense of hope.

Through my work with UNICEF in Borno, I have seen how Psychosocial Theatre can transform lives. In emergency settings where traditional therapy is often unavailable, drama provides an accessible and culturally relevant approach to healing.

By giving children a creative outlet to process trauma, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with their communities, we can help them build resilience and reclaim their futures.

Olorunjuwon Oloruntoba is a Theatre Artist and Mental Health Practitioner. He is also the founder of OSUMARE THEATRE Company in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He  can be contacted via email : osumaretc@gmail.com