Stories

A sense of relief and graciousness from parents as they file through to pick up the backpacks. Excited kids waiting for their turn, peeking inside to find: notebooks, pencils, pens, a lunch container, toothpaste, soap, towel, a mask, toothbrush and a water bottle.

 

All of this is worth around 600,000 Lebanese Lira. For some this is more than they make in a month.

 

Usually, this time of year is an exciting time preparing for the coming school year. This year, for many it’s a scary time. Parents unsure if they can afford to pay school fees or to purchase the needed school supplies for this coming year.

 

There are many questions about how the school year will proceed. Will there be in school with Covid number rising still? There are also questions about electricity and whether students will be able to join online. If the children return to the building will there be gas or petrol for parent so drive them or a school bus to pick them up?  There are so many questions with no answers in sight.

 

 All these questions lead to more stress on families. For these families the issues collide, from finances for the supplies, COVID numbers, and not having WIFI to join online because of lack of electricity.

 

This is why, this year specifically, our cooperation with School in a Bag is so important. These school bags given out will take at least one of those stresses from families. Though, giving the “load” of the backpacks to the children, we are lightening the load for parents.

 

The bags cleared customs just in time to get to the kids as school is starting. It’s one of our goals to offer practical help that allows a burden to be lifted and a small piece of hope and a reminder that they are not alone.