Repeated negative childhood experiences – such as neglect, abuse and exposure to violence – can lead to deep emotional and physical trauma. Recognising childhood trauma and providing timely support to children and families is crucial for prevention and healing. This artwork delivers a strong message to survivors: “What you went through should never have happened. It is not your fault. Your reactions are normal to an abnormal situation.” It seeks to raise awareness and understanding on the impact of childhood trauma.
City Jewel, an initiative by SOS Children’s Villages Belgium, consists of more than 300 beads representing painful childhood experiences, sources of support and inner strength. More than 130 children and adults have each contributed a bead, sharing a piece of their personal story. Together, these individual beads form the City Jewel, a powerful collective artwork symbolising both childhood trauma and resilience. This participatory artwork will soon be displayed in public space as a permanent testament to the importance of societal recognition and healing.
It takes courage. Courage for survivors to share their stories, courage for bystanders to listen without judgement and courage for everyone to stand against unsafe situations and act. Policymakers are urged to invest in the prevention and treatment of childhood trauma. The strength of survivors should be honoured, whose courage and daily efforts toward healing deserve our deepest respect.
SOS Children’s Villages Belgium and vzw Espero – Ter Wende, supported by numerous experts and field workers, are leading a movement towards a more trauma-sensitive world. As part of this initiative, they took the lead in creating a place of recognition for everyone who has experienced childhood trauma. City Jewel, conceptualised by artist Laura Nsengiyumva, is a key result of this broader movement aimed at building a trauma-sensitive society. This initiative follows the 2021 open letter calling for the creation of a place of recognition.
The artwork is co-funded by the Flemish Government, the National Lottery and the City of Brussels.
Visit the website of SOS children’s Villages Belgium:
In every primary school class, there are at least three children who have experienced significant life events. In this podcast, Veerle Segers, together with survivors, child psychiatrist Eva Kestens, and other experts, explores what trauma is and how we can support children and young people. A collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Belgium, supported by the OverHoop project of the King Baudouin Foundation and the Flemish Government.
SOS Children’s Villages Belgium and the therapeutic center Ter Wende-Espero believe that ‘City Jewel’ is a place of recognition to everyone who has experienced childhood trauma. City Jewel, as a place of recognition, is part of a broader movement of people and organizations striving for a trauma-sensitive society. The work is co-funded by the Flemish Government and the National Lottery.
SOS Children’s Villages Belgium and the therapeutic center Ter Wende-Espero, together with survivors, partners and experts.