Event Report: The Emotion Mask – Expressing How We Feel

Event Report

Date: September 25, 2026

Organizer: Résilience Active des Familles Immigrantes en Ontario (RAFIO)

Project: “Together Against Hate: Strengthening Inclusion and Community Resilience”

Theme: Mental Health, Emotional Expression, Creativity, and Well-Being

Activity Background

As part of its initiatives to promote well-being, self-expression, and youth resilience, RAFIO organized an artistic and educational activity entitled “The Emotion Mask – Expressing How We Feel” on September 25, 2026.

The activity aimed to provide young people with a safe and creative space where they could reflect on the different emotions they experience in their daily lives and explore the difference between what a person shows others and what they may actually feel inside.

The activity was part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness among young people about the importance of mental health, emotional expression, active listening, and respect for each person's experiences.

Activity Overview

The activity took place in a welcoming, creative atmosphere that encouraged personal expression. Participants were invited to create and personalize a mask representing different emotions.

Using colors, words, drawings, and various creative materials, the young participants were able to represent their emotions in personal and unique ways.

Participants were encouraged to reflect on emotions such as:

• Joy;

• Sadness;

• Anger;

• Stress;

• Confidence;

• Fear and worry;

• Other emotions they experience in their daily lives.

Each mask represented a personal interpretation of emotions and allowed the young participants to express themselves through art, even when certain feelings may be difficult to put into words.

Exploring Emotions and Mental Health

Particular attention was given to mental health and emotional expression.

The discussions encouraged young people to reflect on how a person may sometimes present an image that differs from what they are actually feeling inside. The mask became a symbol for discussing what we show others and what we may sometimes hide.

Discussions also focused on the importance of recognizing emotions, talking about them, and finding positive ways to care for one's well-being.

Participants were encouraged to become more aware of their own emotions while respecting and being attentive to the feelings of others.

Participation and Feedback

The young participants contributed to the success of the activity through their creativity, openness, and engagement throughout the mask-making process.

The artistic approach helped create an environment where young people could express themselves freely, at their own pace and in their own way of understanding emotions.

Interactions among participants also fostered an atmosphere of active listening, respect, and kindness. The activity provided an opportunity to share reflections, discover different ways of expressing emotions, and strengthen connections among the young participants.

Key Outcomes

The activity helped to:

• Raise awareness among young people about the importance of mental health and emotional well-being;

• Encourage participants to identify and recognize their emotions;

• Promote emotional expression through art and creativity;

• Create a safe space where young people could express themselves without judgment;

• Encourage discussion and dialogue about emotional experiences;

• Develop active listening, empathy, and respect for others' emotions;

• Strengthen self-confidence and self-esteem;

• Promote positive ways to express and manage emotions;

• Foster a caring and inclusive community environment.

  
  

Conclusion

The “Emotion Mask – Expressing How We Feel” activity provided an important opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and help young people explore their emotions through an artistic and creative approach.

Through the creation of their masks, participants were able to reflect on their emotions, share their perspectives, and develop a better understanding of the importance of self-expression and active listening.

The activity also served as a reminder that what we show others does not always reflect what we feel inside. Creating safe spaces where young people can express themselves freely, be heard, and feel respected remains essential.

RAFIO remains committed to developing activities that promote mental health, self-expression, creativity, inclusion, kindness, and youth resilience.

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