When YES alumni decide to volunteer their time and efforts to serve their communities, they do it with passion. That is exactly what happened in Lebanon on Saturday, October 28 when five YES alumni in the Bekaa Valley region organized an event for a mental health hospital for women called the Monastery of Shlifa. The Monastery is home to more than 100 female patients aged 16-90. 

Omar Yehya (YES 2012 - 2013, hosted by ASSE in MI), Mohammad Abou Yassine (YES 2010 -2011, hosted by AUYSA in AZ), Sarah Rifai (YES 2010 - 2011, hosted by FLAG in VA), Sarah Jaroush (YES 2013 - 2014, hosted by CIEE in WA), and Sbidag Demerjian (YES 2016 - 2017, hosted by PAX in ME) spent a full day with a group of twenty five women residing in the Monastery. They organized fun activities with music, balloons, snacks and face painting. For the first time in years, these women felt a nice break from their daily routine, and it was fulfilling for the alumni to contribute to that feeling.

One of the nuns at the Monastery called afterwards saying, “Thanks to this group of young alumni, the women were enjoying their time, something they have not experienced in a long time now. Sadly, most of the women at the Monastery are socially excluded by their families and societies; this alumni visit made them feel appreciated and that their lives matter.” 

Aside from the day of fun, the alumni also brought food supplies and snacks for the nuns and nurses to use this coming winter as they prepare daily meals for the patients residing at the Monastery. 

One of the organizers, Sarah Jaroush, reflected on the activity by saying, “Personally, seeing how we brought joy and happiness to the women was one of the most satisfying moments I have had this year. We were able to establish a friendly ambiance, and the patients appreciated the activity, wishing us happiness and good lives for the future.”

Note: to respect the wishes of the Monastery, photos were not taken with patients during the visit.