By Meriem Kobi (YES 2014-2015, Tunisia, placed with FLAG in Bluffton, IN)

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and the quarantine, it feels like the summer has passed by in the blink of an eye. Then, like every September, the trees lose their leaves and children start getting ready for school. Unfortunately, not all families can afford school supplies for their children due to the financial crisis and rise in unemployment that Tunisia is facing as a result of the pandemic.

As a YES alumna and a “Rotaractor,” I feel that it is my duty to give a hand to those in need and to make a change in our society. Alongside my Rotaract club, the Tunis Alpha team, we decided to go back to the school "Sidi Amara,” and provide its students with all the necessary supplies for the entire academic year. We had already visited this school last December, when we distributed winter coats and boots. This time, our team provided each student with a backpack filled with books, notebooks, and utensils that would enable them to thrive at school.

We want to give hope to these primary school students as they face significant challenges in their daily lives. Many of these students face difficult financial situations, and some live three miles or more away from school. Despite these obstacles, these students still manage to go to school every morning. These children know deep in their hearts that education is their opportunity to succeed. As such, we want to help these students on their paths and guide them towards a better future.

I would like to express my gratitude towards the YES program for teaching me the importance of generosity and compassion. Here is a special thanks to YES program for their support and to all those who have helped us in this project.