Telling it like it is

Emdad’s Lebanon Diary

Day 3 You don’t have to be a millionaire, a big shot, a celebrity to bring about change. If that were the case, then why do many people carry out unpaid service – stating that a simple smile from a fellow human is magnificent recompense and payment in full?

The most passionate people carrying out brilliant work in their communities on a local, national, global level are total volunteers, who are often out of pocket themselves to provide the fantastic array of magic they consistently conjure up.

You do need a big heart though!

The Human Relief Foundation team visited three locations containing four camps today:
•Fadi Al Mais, with 56 families;
•Majdal Anjar, with 54 families;
•Barr Elias Ar Rahma, with 90 families.
It has been five months since the families last received aid so this drive was well overdue.

We delivered food packs at the first two camps. By 5pm we were at the Ar Rahma Camp where, among other things, I was able to indulge in some football training, a penalty shoot-out and an old fashioned, never-ending game with plenty of spectacular net busters – except these kids don’t even have sandals, let alone things like nets and footballs.

The play area was slightly better than Arsal the day before, but there were so many on-field hazards and health and safety considerations which concerned me. The contrast in behaviour between the young people was quite startling too – and certainly an education. Despite all that, this location is like the Anfield of Refugee Camp pitches, and it’s just as well they had their own Jurgen Klopp – in me!

On a serious note, I observed the behaviour of the young boys I coached today as the experience itself was very different. With ages not restricted to but ranging on average from seven to 14 years old, I noted the interaction and conduct in general, and I firmly believe they are still suffering a lot from the trauma of living in and leaving their homeland.

The upheaval has been immense and horrific, and quite a few would greatly benefit from counselling and therapy. With others, it was obvious a furious inner rage was manifesting itself on the field of play, which saw plenty of aggressive tackles, gestures, lashing out and foul language among themselves.

I also noticed that their concentration spans were far shorter than other children I work and volunteer with or mentor. I’ll be honest: I felt relieved when we ended the session to move onto toy distribution. The icing on the cake was when a little thing named Asma who was no more than four years old presented me a fragrant rose. It felt like a cup final medal.

Following a vigorous and energy packed game we conducted our Eid gift toy distribution for all the children. The smiles were priceless.

Just before sunset we distributed Iftar packs to each family to break their fast with, before Kassim Tokan allocated members of our team, in twos, to a refugee family each. Kassim, Zobia and I saw the sunset in by breaking fast with a family – it was amazing.

We joined Mahmood, his wife and four children. She is the main breadwinner and works as an agricultural hand, as well as being the home maker. Women earn substantially less than men, and there is always work available. Mahmood seeks employment, but his job quest is long and arduous. The family have been at this camp for 18 months.

It’s been a mind blowing few days and just a total whirlwind since I departed East London on Sunday. Fasting and Ramadan have added an extra edge to our aid work and provided a whole new perspective. It has broadened my thinking and plans, but it is only when I can sit down and reflect when I’m back in London that I will have a minute idea of just what these stricken people have gone through.

It is a deep inner drive within each human which is the greatest factor in overcoming and dealing with terrible trauma. I’m hopeful that the more happy memories that are created for those afflicted by tragedy, tribulations and disaster, the easier it will be to cope and move on with their lives.

I hope I am fortunate enough to be amongst those who contribute to positive change.

emdad
#theadoptedscouser
#theanfieldtourist
#thewanderinglondoner

•To donate to Emdad’s contribution to the Human Relief Foundation Lebanon Ramadan appeal, go to:
https://www.muslimgiving.org/number7

•Read other instalments of Emdad’s Lebanon blog:
Taking toys to Al-Jarahiyya
Beautiful game; beautiful people; beautiful place
Homeward bound – and a last act of giving

•Read more about it:
Splash Lifeskills Youth feed the elderly
Ramadan suspended as bombs rain on Idlib