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John Paul II Foundation / Magazine / Of all the places in the world, I chose Lebanon- Testimony of SCU volunteer Mara

Of all the places in the world, I chose Lebanon- Testimony of SCU volunteer Mara

Hi, I'm Mara, a Universal Civil Service volunteer with the John Paul II Foundation in Lebanon.

Of all the places in the world, I chose Lebanon.

Because Lebanon is inspiring and sets before you constant surprises. It is a country full of contrasts, luxurious buildings next to dilapidated houses, festive nights in Beirut and teeming alleys in the traditional souks of Saida and Tripoli, snow-capped mountains looking out to the shimmering sea. A place where nothing works properly but everything goes on nonetheless.

Lebanon is where, thanks to the myriad challenges and daily inconveniences (from tremendously slow connectivity, to lack of electricity or running water, from unpredictable geopolitical situations to constant uncertainties, just to name a few), I learn to adapt to the most changing circumstances. It is where I find new resources in myself as I continue to explore the country and immerse myself in its culture, traditions and infinite identities.

Universal Civilian Service allowed me to add to my knowledge of the Cedar Country, to see new places, off the tourist track, to get a glimpse of life in the Bekaa, Akkar, and the South and to appreciate its tranquility and beauty. It led me to discover the realities of farmers' cooperatives and those of the women who transform agricultural products into delicious local foods, the impact of cooperatives in small rural villages far from the capital, the importance of transmitting democratic values through cooperative education pathways in schools, which teach even the youngest children the benefits of this ethical and sustainable system, based on community empowerment.

In a country such as Lebanon, where the crisis is complex and multifaceted and the economic sphere is compounded by the social, environmental, and political spheres, the John Paul II Foundation's projects present themselves as concrete, effective, and forward-looking responses aimed at fostering sustainable change that creates exchanges and relationships that strengthen and benefit the entire community.

I feel that through my work I am one of the cogs contributing to the promotion of cooperativism in Lebanon's farming communities.

Do you also want to make a value choice?

For more information about Universal Civil Service, send an email to. s.ferrari@fondazionegiovannipaolo.org or call 0575-583077 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can submit your application online only in the link below

https://domandaonline.serviziocivile.it/

For each country you will find the project summary sheet by clicking the links below:

"White Helmets for the Inclusion of Fragile People in JORDAN - 2024"

"White Helmets for Sustainable Development in LEBANON - 2024"

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