Crafts For Cure: Delivering Creative Psychosocial Support To Pediatric Cancer Patients In Three National Referral Hospitals In Kenya
Background
Pediatric cancer care in low-resource settings often overlooks psychosocial needs, leaving children without therapeutic outlets for fear, anxiety, or emotional expression. Faraja Cancer Support Trust launched 'Crafts for Cure' to address this gap through creative therapies tailored for children who are admitted for cancer treatment across public hospitals in Kenya.
Methods
Between May 2024 and April 2025, a program was designed focusing on art music and diversional therapy targeting children and adolescents admitted with a cancer diagnosis in 3 national referral hospitals in Kenya: The Kenyatta National Hospital, Shoe4Africa within Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital. A team of creative therapists and professional artists were engaged to deliver weekly participatory sessions including beading, knitting, and crocheting. The program is designed to involve the care givers - parents and clinical teams. The highlight of the art therapy program is a master class for gifted children that enables them to work on joint projects while still admitted in hospital.
Results
The program engages approximately 400 children weekly, conducted 1074 music therapy sessions, and provided 13 diversion sessions for teens. Feedback from therapists and caregivers indicated improved emotional expression, reduced anxiety during hospital stays, and higher child engagement in clinical routines. The program also supported 1030 parents through on-site education and peer support.
Discussion
Crafts for cure demonstrates a scalable, psychosocial care model that can be integrated into routine pediatric cancer care. Lessons learnt include the importance of age-specific design, caregiver involvement, and consistent therapeutic presence. Future directions include expanding to regional hospitals, embedding monitoring tools for clinical outcomes, and developing adolescent peer-facilitator roles. The program highlights creative therapy as a valuable component of holistic oncology care.