Mission
Alsama means “sky” in Arabic. We educate refugee children and empower refugee women. We offer them a new horizon.
Alsama sets up education centres, sports hubs and social enterprises in areas of the Middle East affected by conflict. Our projects are run for – and, in large part, run by – refugee communities.
It’s isolation that hurts us. When we stay separate from refugees and they stay separate from us. The Syrian refugee crisis requires both sides to look up, reach out and connect.
Meike Ziervogel, CEO, Alsama Project
Vision
Alsama raises up the lives of children and women by honoring the mind, the body and the spirit.
The Mind
Each child who comes to our center learns to read & write (if she can’t yet do this). They will acquire English language proficiency, an understanding of budgeting and an education in the life-skills necessary to survive in a refugee camp. Most importantly, they will receive “awareness” mentoring on topics such as sexuality, early marriage, bullying, sexual harassment and self-esteem.
For refugee women, Alsama offers opportunities to earn a living by starting a social enterprise, joining an embroidery business, or by working as teachers or coaches.
Sing, dance, practice yoga, do everything you can to keep the smile on your face. Don’t give up on life, love it!
Maram, 13
Spirit
We give children tools to express themselves creatively by running classes in creative writing, drawing, graffiti, film and literature. In the future we hope to add music and dance to our offering.
Body
You can’t move your brain without moving your body. So, all girls and women are encouraged to attend Yoga classes. In addition, we run sport hubs where we teach boys and girls to play a team sport.
Legal
Alsama is registered in the United Kingdom as a not-for-profit company, Alsama Project, company registration No 12433605. It is also registered as a charity, charity registration No 1191810.
Registration as a Lebanese NGO is pending.
