Marianne Khoury,Programme Officer,Akkar Network for Development
The two months of hostilities before the ceasefire were an incredibly difficult and challenging period.
On a professional level,the challenges were immense. Within a matter of hours,nearly 300,000 people were displaced,many of them fleeing their homes with nothing but their clothes on their backs. They had no place to stay and no food. At the Akkar Network for development (AND),we began distributing food and hygiene kits,with a focus on the needs of women.
On a personal level,I wondered if the situation would escalate further. If it did,how would we manage? What could we do to help? Already physically and morally drained from five years of living in crisis,the escalation demanded even more of us. Yet,despite our exhaustion,we found the strength to gather ourselves and respond to the urgent needs of the inteally displaced people. And I did. We all did,at AND.
Following the ceasefire,we resumed our supporting to the women and youth of our community. We relaunched programmes for education and child protection. We are also focusing on good goveance by working closely with municipalities to assess and compare emergency responses in different areas. For example,the Union of Al-Jurd al-Qayteh Municipalities,with which we’ve previously worked alongside DRI,delivered an excellent response.
Looking to the future,AND is committed to long-term development. We are applying for new projects and exploring projects related to sustainability. Our work in goveance remains a priority. From our experience with DRI,we have leaed how important it is to foster a generation that rejects corruption and aspires to live in a democratic society. We will continue to build on this foundation,working with communities to strengthen their sense of civic responsibility and goveance.
On a personal level,the space for my own dreams and plans has been limited. In an emergency setting,it becomes nearly impossible to separate personal life from professional responsibilities. I have devoted myself to supporting those around me,but I also long for the time when I can once again dream and plan for the future,both personally and professionally.
Through these challenges,I have leaed resilience and the power of community. Despite the hardships,I am hopeful that,together,we can rebuild and create a more sustainable future for those who have endured so much.