Innovation Fund spotlight: The Marah Project/Joyful Inclusion

In Palestine, an innovative artistic initiative is bringing smiles, relief, and artistic skills to mothers of children with disabilities and caregivers. 

The Marah Project, named after the Arabic word for “joy”, is one of the projects supported by the RED NOSES International Innovation Fund. It uses circus arts and clowning to help find emotional release, self-care, and community support, and equips mothers as well as caregivers with tools to support children with disabilities.

Nurturing those who provide daily care

For many Palestinian mothers raising children with disabilities and their caregivers, daily life is marked by a cycle of emotional and physical challenges. From dealing with gender-related stigma and inadequate legal protections to navigating daily struggles that can accompany disability in Palestinian society, members of this community are often overlooked. 

Recognizing this gap, the Marah Project/Joyful Inclusion was developed to offer caregivers a rare opportunity to centre on their own needs. The project not only focuses on providing a space for self-expression but shows how humour and artistic tools can enhance caregivers’ and children’s mental health.

One trainer commented, “The most powerful moment for me was witnessing this once-withdrawn group begin to break free and express themselves. Since then, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose in showing up every day — eager to see the change we’re co-creating with them.”

Circus methods and mental health

At the core of the Marah Project is an artistic methodology, namely the use of creative, interactive tools to provide relief and promote emotional expression. These artistic forms tap into humour, movement, and collaboration to unlock feelings that many parents and caregivers cannot express otherwise. 

The relief sessions focused on topics such as self-exploration, group solidarity, and the design of art activities in non-traditional ways for children with disabilities, all using clowning and circus methods. These sessions have been described as the most transformative component of the Marah Project. A participant at the Al Nahda Women Association says, “I never thought I would be able to do these kinds of activities, or that I would have the courage and confidence to stand in front of a group, act, and laugh.” 

Forging a partnership with the Palestinian Circus School

A vibrant collaboration took shape by partnering with the Palestinian Circus School. Exercises were carefully designed to be inclusive, playful, and healing. Artistic expression was a way to address deeper emotions. “I used to be very shy and unable to express myself in front of a group. But through these workshops, I became more confident and able to express myself freely,” a caregiver at the Yasmeen Centre says.

Capacity building through artistic training

The Marah Project also incorporated intensive training sessions for artists and trainers. A two-day workshop, facilitated by a trainer from the Palestinian Circus School and the Artistic Director of RED NOSES Palestine, introduced participants to unconventional methods of engaging children with disabilities. Ideas were brainstormed, tools were tested, and ultimately, a manual was created for the participants’ continued use.

Forging a partnership with the Palestinian Circus School

A vibrant collaboration took shape by partnering with the Palestinian Circus School. Exercises were carefully designed to be inclusive, playful, and healing. Artistic expression was a way to address deeper emotions. “I used to be very shy and unable to express myself in front of a group. But through these workshops, I became more confident and able to express myself freely,” a caregiver at the Yasmeen Centre says.

Capacity building through artistic training

The Marah Project also incorporated intensive training sessions for artists and trainers. A two-day workshop, facilitated by a trainer from the Palestinian Circus School and the Artistic Director of RED NOSES Palestine, introduced participants to unconventional methods of engaging children with disabilities. Ideas were brainstormed, tools were tested, and ultimately, a manual was created for the participants’ continued use.

A joyful conclusion

The project concludes in September 2025 with a community performance that showcases what mothers and caregivers have learned. Each group will present an original piece using clowning and circus skills, focusing on a theme that reflects a personal or professional challenge they have faced. The performance is not just a celebration of their journey but a statement, demonstrating a movement towards recognition and resilience. 

The success of the Marah Project

This project stands out as a success story for RED NOSES Palestine. It established strong new partnerships and enabled a deeper engagement with a previously unreached audience. It empowered caregivers through creative, expressive methods, built valuable skills and sparked some transformation within the centres where the project took place. The Marah Project dares to laugh and play, allowing freedom of expression for individuals sometimes overlooked.

As one participant put it, “I haven’t felt this kind of change in myself [for a long time]. Truly, art brings out things in us we didn’t even know existed.”