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I was inspired by the bravery and strong will of
this delegation and when asked "Why a group of
women, weren't you afraid to enter the troubled
areas?", Yumna replied that “Women identify
with other women, just upon seeing us this was
a great comfort for the refugees. The women
and children of the camp came to us, hugged us
and kissed us, they can’t get that affection, care
and understanding from the male aid workers. I
think it was so vital for women to go for that
emotional support, just to hear their stories and
give them that support and understanding”.
Fahmida, a 24 year old delegate and aid worker,
said that she didn't know what to expect.
"Everyone told me to be strong, but I was in
disbelief. We were only there for a week but I
felt as if I had lived ten years! There is no good
story, each one more heartbreaking than the
next."
"You feel the
true meaning
of happiness
when you give
happiness to
those in need."
The refugee camp through the eyes of a little angel
named "Malak"
Malak is a twelve year old girl who took us for a walk through
the camp LIVE & via Skype. She has lived as a refugee in the
camp since the age of six and has tragically lost her childhood
as a consequence of the Syrian War. Malak has to worry about
major concerns such as money for rent, electricity and food
for her and her siblings each month. The area seemed
desolate, cold and the tents were made of a thin fabric, barely
shielding one from the harsh elements. The "white sheets"
humbly enveloped the few belongings of the inhabitants.
Despite this environment Malak and her friends with their
beautiful smiles were excited to speak to us and wished us as
the audience a Ramadaan Mubarak with the most heartfelt
duas.
"You feel the true meaning of happiness when you give
happiness to those in need." This is a quote which has
motivated Jihan over her twenty years of service as a
humanitarian. Jihan shared that she willingly gave up on her
dreams of being a world-renowned journalist in exchange for
the smiles of the orphans and their duas. "I would rather be
famous in the hearts of the children who know how to love
innocently than for any other material gain". It was evident
from the presentation that Jihan works tirelessly on the
ground with the daily challenges of serving the refugees
through URDA and with the support of organisations such as
the AMA.
"Often the children who receive food or clothing ask me:
‘Who gave this to me, what is his or her name?’ Because many
of them have lost their mum or dad and want to have the
attachment of those who care for them and think of them as
their parents sending them gifts.” said Jihan Kaisi.
I am of the opinion that we should never second-guess
ourselves when the heart wants to give especially to causes
such as these. I hope upon reading this you will make a
contribution, whatever is affordable to you. Every bit helps
towards the plight of Amal and Malak and the millions of
women and children like them who depend on your generous
donations. Visit ww.africamuslimsagency.co.za for more info
and follow them on social media @africamuslimsagency