Eya Bouker and Meyssen Laadhari
Get in Touch : https://www.instagram.com/rythm.2024/
Our project was born from a strong desire to support the psychological and emotional well-being of pediatric dialysis patients at the age from 16 to 24 . These young patients often spend long hours in the hospital, which can lead to isolation and emotional struggles. With few opportunities to express themselves or develop new skills, their self-esteem can suffer.
To help them, we launched a series of creative and educational workshops focused on macramé, jewelry-making and handcrafts. These activities give the patients a chance to be creative, learn new things, and work together as a team. More than just fun, they offer a sense of independence and hope. Thanks to our partnership with the association “Espoir de Vie,” we were able to carry out these workshops in a safe and caring environment. We truly believe that giving patients the chance to create and sell their own handmade products helps boost their confidence and gives them hope for a brighter future.
We started by doing the necessary paperwork to get into the hospital. Our partnership with Espoir de Vie helped a lot. They already work with the hospital and guided us through the steps. We then organized an information day to explain the project to the patients and their families. Fifteen patients signed up, which made us very happy. Some couldn’t join because of transportation issues, but we’re thinking of ways to solve this in the future.
After that, we looked for trainers who could lead the workshops. We talked to 10 people and 5 of them agreed to work with us. Some accepted small payments or just transport fees so that we could to the activities. Then we bought materials by visiting several local shops in Sousse to find good prices and quality. It was a bit hard to get all the official invoices we needed, but in the end, we got everything required for the workshops.
We carefully chose workshop types that are safe for the patients. We replaced paper crafts with macramé, which is easier for fragile hands and more calming. We organized weekly workshops jewellery on Fridays, macramé on Saturdays, and upcycling whenever possible. The patients enjoyed learning and making beautiful things. We also introduced entrepreneurship and teamwork training, which showed them that their crafts could be sold, and that they could maybe start small businesses one day. Three of the patients are now working on personal projects thanks to these sessions.
To make everything complete, we planned two more important events. First, a Marketing & Sales Workshop on May 18th, where the patients will learn how to promote their work online (Facebook, Instagram, Canva). Second, a Sales Event where we’ll sell the crafts at local fairs. Some shops even agreed to sell the products for free. The money earned will go back into the project, and we also plan to reward the patients with small gifts or trips to encourage them more.
We have two important exhibitions coming up on May 5th in Tunisia one at Hotel Royal Selma and another at the Ecole de Business. These events will showcase the creative products made by the patients. With the money we raise from selling their handmade items, we plan to buy each patient their own materials so they can start their own small business. Also, the current patients will take on the role of trainers, teaching new patients the skills they’ve learned. A part of the profits will also go toward buying new materials for our creative club, helping us continue and grow the project.
