Director of bilingual kindergartens at YMCA, Jerusalem
Since When Have You Been Volunteering in Humans without Borders?
I have been active in the NGO since May 2021
Why Humans without Borders?
Volunteering in the organization is a convenient and easy way for me to provide assistance.
How Does Your Volunteering Express Itself?
Transportation of children and the organization of community activities. I recently organized a support group for mothers having children undergoing dialysis. The sessions are being held at Augusta Victoria Hospital under the guidance of Nimala Kharoufeh, a welfare coach from East Jerusalem, who works with the mothers during the many hours they wait while their children undergo dialysis. During the group session she helps them create the space to share their feelings and draw strength, hope and comfort from each other. This process is important not only for self-care but also to enable mothers to care for other family members − spouses and other children, sometimes also chronically ill. In a family setting, where women are more traditionally accustomed to being constantly on the edge of giving, we allow them to focus, for one hour a week, on their own needs.
Each session focuses on different aspects of well-being - physical, emotional and spiritual, including breathing exercises, stretching, yoga, guided imagery, art and verbal sharing. We serve light refreshments and for an hour, during their difficult week, the mothers receive loving care and pampering nourishment for body and soul. All of the self-care methods mentioned above are so simple and available that mothers can learn to use them between sessions, in their home environment, without any additional costs or effort.
What Does Volunteering Mean to You?
An opportunity for giving, expressing solidarity and providing support.
What Are the Challenges Posed by Volunteering in the Organization?
Mostly time ... Most trips are during working hours and that reduces my volunteering option.
How would you describe the "Man Without Borders" organization?
A place of giving without limits, a lot of love and doing out of a deep desire to help and make even a small change in the lives of people, dictated by so many factors beyond their control.