Will fund for one full year several classes of MECI after school and summer camp program for elementary aged girls or boys. Through after school education and summer camps, children receive academic tutoring, medical care, nutrition education, health and well-being, as well as fine arts and sports to address poor self image, and leadership through community service. The impact in the community is positive change, civil engagement, civil society building, and instills hope through education.
In conflict-ridden areas of the Middle East, children are growing up in a world where war and severe economic hardship is redrawing the boundaries of their physical existence, impacting their self-identity and healthy development. Amidst high level diplomacy, children and women are invisible yet most affected by the political impasse. Their security, health, and education are critical if we are to achieve sustained peace in the region.
MECI's comprehensive after school and summer camp programs for elementary school age children addresses severe health issues through a nourishing food program, builds skills through academic tutoring, and provides psychosocial support through art therapy programs in music, fine arts, drama and athletics. In addition, local women are organized and employed through a women's association, the program also stimulates the distressed local economy through purchases from local farmers and suppliers.
MECI will educate and impact with the funding requested over 200 children, families, provide income for local staff and through daily nutritious meal program provide income for local women in need. The community of 6,000 in the village will benefit from community service projects conducted weekly by the children.
