Following the difficult month of August, we were more motivated than ever to get to work!
Our center still needed some renovation, so we got to it.
Thanks to the generous donations of our supporters, we were able to paint the whole center in order to have a fresh new start, despite the ongoing challenges we are facing.
Our Heroic Survivors
In August, we were informed that two of our dear students were gravely injured during the 4th of August explosion. We were heartbroken to learn that our wonderful angels had to go through such a horrendous experience. In a few weeks’ time, they were on their way to a full recovery! We couldn’t but pay them a visit at home to check on them and to give them some love.
Adam and Grace are our heroic survivors! The smiles on their faces warm our hearts and make us want to do nothing but help these angels forget about their traumatic experiences.
Send in the Clowns!
On the 17th of September, we were delighted when the clowns of Clown Me In paid us a visit, as part of their Comic Relief Tour following the 4th of August explosion. Our students and their parents walked with the clowns from our center to a close-by park where we all enjoyed a wonderful clown show that addressed important themes, including: wearing face masks, personal hygiene, social distancing, and recycling. We laughed, danced and clowned around!
One of the most beautiful stories we heard following the show was when a mother of one of our students called us to tell us that her little five-year-old had barely spoken a word since the explosion. However, following the show, she rushed home to tell her father all about it! Is this is the magic of art? We think so!
We were particularly happy to see Adam and Grace, the two students who were injured during the blast, present at the show, having a great time! For more pictures of the show, please click on this link here.
Ongoing Soup Kitchen Project
Our Soup Kitchen Project is going stronger than ever! Thursday has quickly become our favorite day of the week. To check out all the photos and stories related to this project, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We always wish to thank our generous donors and supporters who contribute to make this project happen every week, feeding 60+ seniors and their families.
Parenting Workshop with Himaya
The first round of parenting sessions with the NGO Himaya came to an end. We can proudly say that the sessions were very fruitful and beneficial for the mothers, and they requested to be included in additional similar activities at Ayadina. The themes of the workshop included awareness about child rights, issues of early marriage and motherhood, acceptance of other people (diversity), controlling one’s stress amid crises, etc…
We are currently coordinating with Himaya to launch a second round of parenting sessions at our center.
Launch of “Listen Project” with Himaya
This month, we launched a new project with Himaya, titled “Listen”, where children learn about positive communication. Percussion instruments are used to create rhythm, while the lyrics focus on the issue of children protection. They also learn about diversity by being exposed to music from around the world. Other skills the children will be learning are team work and experimentation with listening. We are so excited about this collaboration!
Donation Opportunities
In light of the ongoing financial crisis in Lebanon, we wish to remind our dear friends that Ayadina is always in need of your donations. A mere 50USD can keep a family fed for a whole month. Without your support, we will not be able to resume our other activities. More than ever, our students and parents need art therapy and psycho-social intervention in their lives. We would not be able to fulfill our mission without your generous support. We sincerely believe in Ayadina’s role in helping these children heal.
Below is a link where you can donate:
Just Help: https://www.just-help.org/c/ayadina
You can also visit our website in order to make a direct donation to our bank account in Lebanon:
https://www.ayadinaassociation.org/support-ayadina/
For further information about how to support Ayadina’s Soup Kitchen Project or the Arts Education Program, please do not hesitate to contact us either via email ([email protected]) or on the phone (+9611266611).
