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Supported by donors who care, Save the Children's HEART (Healing and Education through the Arts) program brings the proven power of artistic expression to some of the world's most vulnerable children.

Healing and Education Through the Arts (HEART)

The Healing and Education through the Arts (HEART) program is an arts-based approach to providing psychosocial support for children, youth, and adults around the world.

HEART uses expressive arts to help children – in schools, child-friendly spaces, youth centers, and at home – process and communicate feelings, experiences, or ideas in an emotionally supportive environment where they can connect with peers and caring adult facilitators.

Children and youth age 3 – 25, along with parents and caregivers, receive support through HEART.  Through drawing, painting, music, drama, and many other art forms, children create, express, support, and learn!

HEART has a strong evidence base, both from decades of global research on the impact of the arts on stress reduction, well-being, learning, and development, as well as from recent evaluations of the program in different settings around the world.

Over the last 10 years, HEART has supported more than 1 million children in 30 countries across the globe! Here is the story of one such child. Meet Mariana.

Save the Children’s supporters have the biggest hearts of all. Together, we are working to support the social and emotional well-being of vulnerable children in the United States and around the world. Join us to support children with this unique approach!