On Tuesday September 15th, Jordan Seeds for Peace CC in partnership with Mercy CC, organized an entertainment program and Ramadan Iftar for 80 orphans from the Theodor Schneller School in southeast Amman, Jordan.  Included in the program were games of volleyball, musical performances, a talent show, and an exchange of gifts.  Along with the 20 delegation leaders, the Cooperation Circles included youth in their program for the first time with 26 teens aged between 15 & 17 joining in the festivities.  Placed on volleyball teams together the youths quickly began forming bonds of friendship.  MENA Regional Coordinator Mamoun Khreisat tells us that "spontaneously, after the matches, orphans and seeds started to mingle and engage in small talk. Then teen spirit noise prevailed over the place; talent performances, laughing, singing…etc. The atmosphere was moving; you can feel positive energy everywhere, you only see smiling faces and hear laughter all around you."

The impact of this event was not felt only by the youths; one of the adult participants, Fares Haddaden, tells us that:

"This is the first time for me to participate in an event at this school...I was really touched by what has been said about learning to give as you receive; a virtue that I highly admire, the kids were adorable and the interaction as well as the general atmosphere was inviting, I hope that we continue conducting such visits on a regular basis, a word that I have to say; I really loved the team spirit embedded in the group, I was asked to make a small standup comedy show for the kids, and I feel that I was blessed to have the opportunity to take part in the event. 

 

The desire to hold similar events in the future and the impact that it had on both youths and adults is further echoed in the words of Mr. Khreisat:

"For so many orphans it was the first time they receive such a number of young teens at their school. They were anxious to make friendships, many of them exchanged contact details. At Iftar (breakfast) time, both seeds [youths] and orphans worked hand by hand to prepare the dining site. After we finished our program, a bunch of orphans approached me showing their appreciation, they asked me to come back again. One of them said, 'this is one of the best days in my life.'"

Thanks to Jordan Seeds of Peace CC and Mercy CC for putting together this great event and building bridges between youths, many of whom have lost much.  Though nominally for the benefit for the orphans, this program positively impacted everyone involved and shows how something as simple as playing volleyball together can break down barriers and build new connections.