Massar started its program in July 2005 by developing a range of activities for young people to tour round the country, using Syria’s cultural centers as venues. 

For younger age groups (5-11 years), a stage show about how we learn by using our senses is followed by story-telling (using the imagination) and an “archaeological dig” (touch, sight and analysis).  For the teenagers, sessions are managed as a debate about rights, responsibilities and issues that the children themselves want to discuss.  Working in teams, each group produces a newspaper front page and a video clip about the subjects they choose.  These debates have covered topics such as immigration, housing, violence, health and work, as well as the Rights of the Child.  For many of the young people involved this is the first time they have engaged in a serious discussion and felt their views are being listened to.

Activities are facilitated by a specially-trained group of young Syrian men and women – the Green Team – who themselves have become positive role models for the children who attend the touring activities.