May 2022 Activities of the MECC Service and Relief - Diakonia Department, Beirut Office
During the month of May 2022, the MECC, as part of its effort to provide Humanitarian relief to victims of protracted crises, held several activities at Our Lady Dispensary in Sabtieh, Sad El Bouchrieh. Activities took on themes related to: soft skills, psycho social support, Gender Based Violence, and health awareness. The objective of such endeavors is to allow people to get back on their feet, after several traumas had shaped their lives.
Soft Skills Sessions
In addition to the skills associated with screwing and carpentry, women, during the soft skill sessions organized by the MECC, learn to de-stress as they learn something new. By applying what they have learned in these sessions, they allow their artistic side to take over. Hence, they scribble on the plank using paint, statements such as “All we need is love” in response to the traumas that they had witnessed in the past. Now they can confidently manufacture their own products, should they decide to open their own business. This program was implemented with the support of the international humanitarian organization Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
Psycho Social Support Sessions for Children
Between putting together puzzles, painting masks, and getting creative with modeling clay, Children engaged in recreational sessions. Through such type of activities children learned how to express themselves in a social context. Moreover, they were able to enhance their cognitive capabilities in a way which will train to react to challenges in the future. These sessions were organized in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
Psycho Social Support Sessions for Women
Past traumas have severely impacted women from all walks of life. This is specially the case for those who were torn from their homes and forced to flee to another country. In these Psycho Social Support sessions women alternated between painting masks and drawing pictures to express their emotions. Flamboyant colors were used to represent the intensity what they fell. By using this method, participants edge one step closer to healing. These sessions were implemented with the support of the international humanitarian organization Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Sessions for Women
Women were taught that they are valuable members of society and that as human beings, they have the right to live in a world free form violence. Since the subject is very sensitive to women, the instructor approaches the topic with utmost sensitivity. Nevertheless, women are made aware of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) types and how violence can affect their lives. Many women come to the session embroiled in emotional problems which require a professional to handle them. Of course, MECC provides them with the right people always ready to assist them. These sessions were organized with the support of the international humanitarian organization Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Sessions for Men
At MECC, men are also included with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness session since they often hold power in a community with the ability to foresee change. By targeting men and educating them about key subjects regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV), part of the problem is defused. Moreover, men are taught how to be effective contributors to society without making them feel guilty over past wrong others had done. This program was implemented in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
Health Awareness Sessions
Prior to Health Awareness sessions, beneficiaries are surveyed to assess needs. During May’s sessions the topic was chosen regarding joint pains and specifically lower back pain. As such, our licensed nurse is dispatched to deliver some stretching exercises. Ladies welcomed the session since it taught how to take care of their bodies at home while performing daily errands such as cooking and cleaning. This program was implemented with the support of the international humanitarian organization Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
