“In life it’s said that behind every door there is new hope and a new opportunity to love, find joy, and live life with all its ups and downs. But what happens when the door opens into a prison cell? What becomes of life then? And who do you turn into?”
Civic and religious leaders and government ministers gathered at SAT-7’s Lebanon studios on Thursday 9 February for an event to mark the publication of a very special book. It comprises moving stories told by young people in Lebanon at Storytelling Clubs that formed part of SAT-7’s Lebanon, Our Story (LOS) project.
At the beginning of the year, in my first university class, we all began to introduce ourselves. “Kamel,” I said. “Palestinian refugee.” Eyes widened around me. Then somebody said, “What are you doing here? Haven’t you people done enough to us?”
Lebanon Our Story brings together young members (aged 15-25) of various religious or belief groups within Lebanon, including displaced Syrians, along with their Lebanese and Armenian host communities. Lebanon, Our Story uses storytelling to enable youth to contribute to a shared narrative of hope that drives social cohesion and provides an impetus for meaningful civic engagement.
Amid all the crises that the Arab World has recently passed through, SAT-7 ARABIC’s weekly program You Are Not Alone has been a voice for those affected and a place to find hope and feel God’s presence.
I have just returned from Beirut, Lebanon. With the elections looming this weekend, the city is plastered with banners and posters of the different political parties, their colours and slogans on massive billboards along the highways.
“Today we want to pray for Ukraine and ask for the Lord’s peace. We want to say to all those oppressed and hurt that you are not alone,” said Sirene Semerdjian, presenter of SAT-7 ARABIC current affairs program You are Not Alone, as she opened an episode dedicated to survivors of the Ukraine war.
Two years on from the heart-warming moment a family of five Syrian refugee children received access to learning, SAT-7 continues to work to ensure the most vulnerable children can learn.
