Helm Foundation of Creativity: Every achievement starts with a dream

A non-profit in Damascus that supports gifted children and teenagers through educational and psychological programs that grow their creative skills.

Who we are

Helm Foundation of Creativity is a non-profit organization based in Damascus, Syria. We support gifted children and teenagers through educational and psychological programs that grow their creative skills.

Our vision

A stronger society, built through deep change in education and culture. We help communities recover from war and move toward growth. The people we serve do not rely on direct financial aid. Instead, we teach and train motivated, creative people to move their future from dependence to productivity and a love of work.

Our goal

To offer free education to talented children who have had fewer chances. We do this through new curricula built on many experiences in education, through Helm’s initiatives and in cooperation with other institutions.

What we stand for

Our values

Commitment
We care for the creative spirit with a strict, scientific, skills-based approach.
Responsibility
We take responsibility for the growth of every talented person under our wing.
Support
We provide a rich learning environment, backed by experts in creativity.
Excellence
Our services are high in quality and built on solid scientific foundations.

Our objectives

  1. Raise public awareness of why caring for talented and creative people matters.
  2. Discover talented and creative people.
  3. Develop the abilities and potential of creative people.
  4. Guide creative people to the opportunities that match their talents.

Four programs, one path

Each program builds on the last, from finding your voice to serving your community. All four are designed and led by Dr. Sara Al-Nahas, Chair of our Board of Trustees.

Children in a talking circle with Dr. Sara Al-Nahas

My Voice, My Abilities

Skill building for children and teenagers

To build the personal and social abilities of children and teenagers, so they can express their ideas, discover what they can do, and take an active part in the group.

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-confidence
Detailed objectives
  • Build dialogue and listening skills, and share opinions with respect.
  • Grow self-confidence through chances to speak and take part in front of others.
  • Develop thinking, problem solving and decision making that fit their age.
  • Discover individual talents and abilities, and encourage participants to develop them.
  • Encourage accepting differences, cooperation, and respect for the opinions of others.
A team of teenage girls during a group sports activity

Together We Achieve

Group and sports activities

To build social and leadership skills in children and teenagers through group and sports activities, and to strengthen team spirit and a sense of belonging.

  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Responsibility
Detailed objectives
  • Train participants to cooperate to reach shared goals.
  • Strengthen following rules, taking responsibility, and respecting others.
  • Give chances to take turns in different roles, and build leadership and initiative.
  • Encourage physical activity and the use of free time in useful activities.
  • Discover sports talents and encourage their growth.
Children around a campfire

Helm Camp

Learning through life and experience

To build independence and life skills in children and teenagers through an educational camp that combines hands-on learning, teamwork and time in nature.

  • Independence
  • Planning
  • Problem solving
Detailed objectives
  • Strengthen self-reliance in daily tasks that suit their age.
  • Build planning and organizing skills, and share responsibilities.
  • Train participants to cooperate and solve problems through experience.
  • Raise environmental awareness, respect for nature, and care for keeping the place clean.
  • Build positive relationships and widen chances to take part and belong to the group.
  • Offer varied activities that help discover talents and interests.
Volunteers sorting and preparing donations

Helm for Giving

Empowering young people through volunteering

To empower young people to serve their community and build practical and social skills, by organizing volunteer initiatives and by collecting, sorting and preparing donations.

  • Community service
  • Organization
  • Work readiness
Detailed objectives
  • Strengthen social responsibility and a spirit of initiative among young people.
  • Develop skills in organizing, coordinating and working in a team.
  • Train participants to identify needs, set priorities and manage the resources available.
  • Build communication and cooperation skills with partner organizations.
  • Give young people practical experience that supports job readiness, such as commitment, accuracy and finishing tasks.
  • Build values of solidarity and respect for the dignity of others.

From the field

Moments from activities with children and teenagers, led by Dr. Sara Al-Nahas.

Dr. Sara Al-Nahas, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Sara Al-NahasChair of the Board of Trustees

Led by experience

Our programs are designed and led by our Chair, who has taught and worked with children and young people since 2006, in charities, schools, kindergartens and international programs.

  • 26,000children taught and trained under her supervision
  • 1,000teachers trained (approximately)
  • 5M+mothers reached with parenting and education guidance

Her path

  1. 2006 onward

    Volunteer teacher with charities, giving lessons and psychological support to displaced children.

  2. 2015 to 2016

    UNESCO Second Chance programme: supervised teachers. Taught and supported young women aged 14 to 22 at Juzoor.

  3. 2016 to 2019

    Directed a children’s cultural center in Damascus, leading 20+ teachers, artists and athletes. Taught teaching strategies at Damascus University.

  4. 2019 onward

    Founded Kids Camp, bringing sports, arts, drama and emotional intelligence activities to schools.

  5. 2022

    Founded and directs a kindergarten in Damascus for children aged 1 to 5.

  6. 2023

    Doctorate in Education, thesis defended in June 2023.

  7. 2024

    Founded Helm Foundation of Creativity.

Official details

Legal form
Private non-profit foundation
Headquarters
Damascus, Syria
Registration
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, Decision No. 605 of 12 March 2024
Governing law
Law on Associations and Private Foundations No. 93 of 1958
UNGM No.
9045, United Nations Global Marketplace
Fields of work
Development and housing. Culture, sports, recreation and the arts.
Chair of the Board
Dr. Sara Al-Nahas
Registered aims
Support creative people and develop their skills. Develop and train talents. Empower young people and prepare them to enter the labour market. Develop Syrian youth at every stage.

Let’s build the dream together

For partnerships, volunteering or questions about our programs, write to us by email.

dr.sara@helmfoc.com

Damascus, Syria