Doha: Reach Out To Asia’s (ROTA) Goodwill Ambassador and social media celebrity Ghanim Al Muftah visited the Palestinian refugee camp Nahr El Bared in Lebanon to witness the beginning of a new community sports centre that will benefit 5,000 children.
ROTA, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), will work with American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) to complete the project.
‘The Enhancing Non-Formal Education for Palestinian Youth in the North of Lebanon Programme’ is an extension and expansion of ANERA’s partnership as ROTA has been continuing charity work at the camp since 2010. The project will offer a safe haven for some 5,000 youth in the camp, where they can learn, play and socialise.
Al Muftah, with support of his followers, pledged to raise QR1m this Ramadan to help disadvantaged children using #withyouwereach1million. He also met children and talked about their needs and dreams.
With his help, ROTA aims to raise funds to build a green sports facility near the camp for the age group 16-25 affected by the camp’s poor conditions and substandard facilities.
The centre stems from the ‘plus sports’ methodology whereby sport is used as a pathway to guide children via confidence-building, social skills, vocational training and preparatory learning support.
Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA, said: “The project is an example of work we undertake and our core mission to ensure children affected by crises have continuous access to high-quality primary and secondary education.
“Without education and vocational training, they have little chance of escaping their situation and bettering their lives. The facility will help them learn, grow in confidence, acquire skills and increase community participation.”
At the end of Ramadan, ROTA will announce the amount raised through Al Ghanim’s trip and provide updates on the facility. To donate for the children of Palestine, visit: www.justgiving.com. The Peninsula
