City Jewel is a powerful collective artwork, symbolising childhood trauma and resilience, and offering vital recognition for childhood trauma survivors on their healing journey

Read the stories

Testimonial

Survivor Sandra testifies

Testimonial

Survivors Steven and Evy testifying

Testimonial

Survivor Melanie testifies

Testimonial

Survivor Evy testifies

Testimonial

Survivor Sandra testifies

Testimonial

Survivor Nadia testifies

Testimonial

Survivor Alicia testifies

Testimonial

Survivor Meredith testifies

Why recognition matters

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.

+ 300 individual stories

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.

A call for courage and change

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.

About the initiators

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:

https://www.sos-kinderdorpen.be/

https://www.sos-villages-enfants.be/

I didn’t need to say much, but during and after the process, I saw a lot of peace, relief, and forms of healing.

- Laura NSENGIYUMVA, Artist

Discover the beads

Insights from experts

Expert

Psychotherapist Sabine Vermeire on weaving resilience after trauma

Expert

Adeline Puerta and the Importance of Trauma-Sensitive Practices at SOS Children’s Villages

Expert

Director Hilde Boeykens on childhood trauma in Belgian SOS Children’s Villages projects

Expert

Dr. Eva Kestens on coping with children who have experienced severe trauma

Expert

Artist Laura Nsengiyumva on creating democratic art

Expert

Social Designer Joke Quintens connects neighborhood to recognition site

Podcast 'Zie mij' (NL)

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.