Meaningful Change
I first became acquainted with the ABAAD organization when I attended a lecture provided by the Director of the organization, Ms. Ghida Anani. At this point, I had attended numerous lectures, workshops, events, etc. which addressed the many issues facing gender discrimination, gender-based violence, social cohesion, reproductive rights, and many more. However, never was I struck by the conviction, determination, and compassion by which Ms. Anani expressed the challenges and vision of her organization. The many programs that were being implemented, and the many others being rolled out, offered a glimpse into the resolute efforts to make meaningful change for men and women in the country. Coming out of her lecture, I was wholly convinced that ABAAD was an ideal organization where I may learn a great deal. I signed up to volunteer the very next day.
Not long after, I was contacted by ABAAD to participate in their Jina Al-Dar program which involved bringing gender-based services and resources to communities that would have otherwise be overlooked. With the help of coordinators/organizers, a few other volunteers, and myself, we hopped on their touring bus and headed to numerous locations over the course of a few weeks. I was personally involved in engagement with children; sharing stories, playing games, coloring, and even helping organize a puppet show for the enjoyment of the children and their mothers. What was surprising for me was the activity and interest of the children participating in the program. Although many were shy at first, they quickly became comfortable with many unable to contain their curiosity or their willingness to share their thoughts and opinions about many different things. What I did not expect was how quickly and how open the children were towards me. As my spoken Arabic is weak, many children jumped at the chance to encourage me to converse more with them. Regardless of any language barrier, many children revealed an understanding and determination to share their thoughts with me and an amazing patience as I tried to reciprocate.
One of the children teaching me how to pronounce the face parts in Arabic
I recall one family; a mother who brought three of her children to the event. What again struck me was their eagerness to learn, to engage, and to inquire about the lessons being provided to them. Their mother, who was attending a special component of the program which was designed to provide awareness and education on topics like gender-based violence, sexual assault, and reproductive health, appeared to have a feeling of gratitude and joy on her face. What occurred to me was that for many, although there was an enthusiasm and inclination to gain more awareness, utilize the information and resources provided by ABAAD, and to interact with those they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so, the resources were rarely available for them. Interestingly, this particular family became eager to volunteer themselves after they experienced the program first hand. I personally became acquainted with the children and worked alongside them in the efforts to implement engaging and fun activities for children. For me, this was a testament to the appetite for such programs and the importance of bringing such programs to people. If given the opportunity, people will not only want to attend such informational sessions, they may actively wish to help share such resources with their community members as well.
This comes to the importance of their tour bus which not only brings the supplies needed to perform the program, but it is also used to shuttle participants to and from the site where the program is held. I felt that this was an essential component to the program as many of the participants’ homes are scattered quite far around the area with no means to attend the program. By providing such families the means to attend, the program offered a respite and opportunity to many of those who would be unable to participate in the program and services offered. Throughout my time volunteering with the Jina Al-Dar program, we visited a number of different locations including Aashkout, Hasbay, Faraya, with a number of new locations to come. Visiting such places offered me the opportunity to see and experience new locations in Lebanon that I would otherwise not have seen, and I was also able to meet and get to know people whom I would not have been able to encounter. Each location brought its own challenges and rewards, yet, what remained consistent was the adaptability and focus of the ABAAD organizers and the kindness and engagement of the participants
Some of Activities with the children
The hours do certainly go by quite fast when volunteering. The environment is very dynamic and oftentimes you are trying to find solutions to a number of different situations. On some days, we organized the program at particular social development centers where things were quite organized. On other days, we went to informal settlements and were required to find solutions under trickier circumstances. Nevertheless, the program always gets rolled out. This kind of collaboration and troubleshooting were components of the volunteerism that really interested me and showed the challenges when programs are implemented from a grass-roots level. The versatility required when conditions are not the most ideal is a good indication that the program is targeting communities whom are often overlooked. It was again incredible to see the cooperation and care, from organizers to participants and everyone in between, that was mustered in order to ensure the program ran smoothly.
Importantly, the organizers which helped facilitate and implement the Jina Al-Dar program were also passionate about the work they were doing. The engagement from children would not have been as high had it not been for their enthusiasm and their effort for achieving the goals they set. Not only did they make the experience very interesting and fun, but it also allowed me to learn a great deal about the challenges and rewards of taking a concept and applying it in the real-world. It occurred to me that the ABAAD organization, from its Director down to all the coordinators and staff on the ground, embody the same determination which first motivated me to sign up for volunteering. When I first applied to volunteer with ABAAD, I had little expectations about my role in the program. I expected that my presence would only be a miniscule impact on the program. However, it did not take long for me to feel a part of the family. The organizers and coordinators quickly instilled a feeling of teamwork and solidarity, and the participants, especially the children, left me with a wonderful sense of satisfaction and connection with one another. I cannot wait to get back out on the road again!