> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Awet Andemicael > Reference:: https://www.fmreview.org/fragilestates/andemicael > Date:: 2013-05 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: [[Migrant and refugee value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft provides a way of sustaining cultural attachments to home]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Craft as a creative expression shares the benefits of arts generally for refugees. ### Highlights Refugees’ involvement in artistic activity – music, theatre, poetry, painting, etc – often plays a powerful positive role in their ability to survive physically and even emotionally and spiritually. Especially in the refugee camp contexts, where time seems to stand still and there’s little control on your future and the timeline you will be able to move on, artistic activities help you:** 1. **use your time creatively and productively**. 2. **cope with the psychological and emotional stresses of living in a refugee camp**. 3. **reinforce your sense of power and agency**. 4. **connect you with your spiritual community.** 5. **preserve your traditional culture while away from your native land**. 6. **create a sense of community with other refugees**. 7. **create bridges between refugee and host communities.** 8. **help children learn**. 9. **help adults learn and develop behaviours that foster physical, psycho-social and community health and well-being**. 10. **prepare for life beyond the camp**.