My visit to Ashqout
As a Palestinian-Lebanese citizen who is always inspired to be a hand to those in need, I opened ABAAD’s website seeking a volunteering position for the summer as I was so fond by their work throughout the years. A couple of months after applying and filling their volunteering format online, I got a phone call from Hani, informing me that they need volunteers for the Jina Al Dar project and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. Fast forward couple of weeks and there it was, round one day one. I woke up and couldn’t wait to get to ABAAD’s center as I was helping Hani with some stuff before meeting with the other volunteers at the bus, I was so excited that I arrived 20 minutes early- honestly, I was happy to be since the outdoor waiting area is so nostalgic. I helped Hani with some bags and then we went and met the other volunteers, Zeina and Andrew, as well as the bus driver Amo Amin who seemed so sweet and knowledgeable of the village we were visiting that is Ashqout. The volunteers and I hit it off as soon as we met and we got to know each other throughout our drive and they were so nice and funny. Hani made sure to inform us about our duties and gave us a general look about what to expect. On our way, we made a small stop and met Hala the Jina Al Dar coordinator-alongside Hani- and one of the team members that was going to give the women’s workshop.
When we arrived to the center, a group of elegant women greeted us with smiles as we unloaded the bus from the goods we got for the attendees and their children. We then waited for a couple of minutes until everyone arrived as well as until Fadi, the one giving the children’s session, arrived and we started as soon as he did.
The children and women’s session were parallel when the first sessions were taking place, Andrew and I, stayed with Fadi and the kids as Zeina took part in the women’s session. Fadi was such a bright spirit with the kids, he would turn a negative or an intruding situation around in a way the kids would laugh and be pleased to stop whatever they were doing. One of the kids, Ahmad, 13, said that he didn’t want to join the activity as he is a “man” now and his brother yelled telling us that he actually works, which honestly did not surprise me, Fadi urged him to sit with the kids and that it’s okay, Ahmad neglected the offer first couple of times but eventually gave in and sat with the others. The first activity included coloring a picture that indirectly showed equality between women and men the kids happily with excitement colored the picture and then several activities were followed.
Two girls about four years old or so wanted to leave the session saying that they can’t stay longer or else their mom would be mad broke my heart so we couldn’t let them stay and be responsible for any damage.
At the end, laughter and giggles spread across the kids as Fadi made the kids play a game they loved. We then gave them some candy and water to help them gain back their energy that they consumed as the women’s session ended.
Sparks of happiness and joy filled the childrens’ eyes as they started talking and introducing themselves to us. One particular kid caught my eye, he was the youngest of the group yet the most energetic as he showed everyone his drawing and started talking with everyone and jumping up and down with his red cheeks and huge spirited smile.
Zeina and I then switched places as she was with the kids and I joined the women’s session. The women were all so eager to start the session and the team member was ready. No men were allowed during the session due to its sensitivity. The team member talked about the importance of being knowledgeable about one’s rights as a woman, what should a woman do if she got abused/raped, what’s the difference between rape and sexual harassment, who can the contact in case of such emergencies and she discussed with the attendees some questions they had. One of the attendees actually talked about being threatened and the team member tried to help her as much as she can.
جلسة توعية عن الحقوق القانونية و الصحية مع السيدات في حالات العنف
Day two from round one included 2 parallel sessions, one for women and another for the kids that increased in number, excitement and eagerness. Fadi tended to change as much as he can and added new activities to the session so that the kids that were present in the day before won’t be bored so he started with a story that held a theme of equality between men and women, some girls when asked questions about the working woman in the story they would disagree to the idea and Fadi would ask why and they would simply answer with “She’s a women she can’t work.” Fadi made sure that by the end of the story the kids understood the concept of equality between men and women. During the session one of the kids, that said he was ten years old but looked way younger said that he needs to go and that he was sad that he won’t be able to join in for the puppet show because he needs to go help his father who’s a mechanic. Zeina and I urged him to stay and that he needs a day off work but he kept insisting on leaving.
After the puppet show team arrived and set up their stage and prepared everything, the room was packed with kids and women ready to watch the show they’ve been waiting for. Three acts were included in the show talking about gender equality in rights and even salaries as well as early marriage. Laughs and responses were alive throughout the show.
The women’s session made me realize how much these women don’t know and how much we as individuals that are provided with such knowledge should try our best and spread it those in need. As for the kids, they were such fun spirits and such bundles of joy that I can’t stop thinking about them.
All that I can feel right now is fulfilment, joy, love as well as sadness and disappointment that I won’t be seeing them again- especially the kids. With the faces and smiles flashing in front of my eyes every minute I can’t wait for days to come with the team.