Protective face masks production by youth from Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen The world has been struck by the COVID-19 pandemic leading countless people to suffer on different levels whether it be financially, physically or even emotionally. However, the communities most impacted by this crisis are those whose socioeconomic vulnerabilities had already alienated them for decades. Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen are no exception. As a result of poor governance and lack of available support mechanisms, these marginalized populations unfortunately have a higher predisposition for being gravely affected by such exceptional and critical circumstances. Additionally, these areas are not only overlooked by the country’s developmental map, but they are also densely populated which inherently elevates the likelihood of rapid contamination. Therefore, MARCH set out to contribute in whichever capacity it could to provide these communities with some supplies that would help diminish the risks and alleviate some of those hardships. In light of the mask shortage and the scarce local resources, MARCH decided to utilize its new community hub –Kanyamakan’s sewing facilities to manufacture face masks. After conducting an extensive research and preparatory phase, it launched the production which was entirely carried out by young men from Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen. This comes as part of the organization’s rehabilitation and reintegration program. They utilized the sewing skills they had acquired through MARCH’s activities as a direct contribution to the health and well being of their communities. The masks were made from the most recommended non-woven materials according to standardized guidelines and health regulations. The process followed a strict protocol to ensure the safest working environment possible. This entailed daily thorough sanitation using professional equipment (i.e. steam machine and disinfectant). Moreover, each individual working on the assembly-line wore personal protective gear such as masks, suits, gloves and plastic disposable shoes. A maximum of 3 persons were allowed in the space at a time. This was also accompanied by the on-the-ground supervision of an expert in preventive measures and infections control. These three-layered masks offer protection against viruses and bacteria, airborne particles in addition to dust and pollution. So far, more than 16 000 masks have been produced and are gradually distributed to those most in need including families, local clinics, medical professionals such as the Lebanese Red Cross, healthcare personnel within organizations. MARCH is proud to have supported these youths and hopes to sustain these efforts so long they are needed. If you are interested in contributing to this initiative and would like to help sustain our mission, please reach out to us via email at [email protected].
Tag: solidarity
An initiative by the community, for the community!
Food parcels distribution in Tripoli and Beirut “It takes a village” is a popular saying that could not be more accurate because it truly does take collective efforts to cope with a deteriorating economy with detrimental social impacts coupled with a global pandemic. That is why MARCH helped youth from Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen create “Albe 3ala Jare” which translates to “My heart goes out to my neighbor”. In times of crisis, solidarity and compassion are of the utmost importance and that is what this initiative represents. It comes as a direct response to the COVID-19 outbreak and acts as a gesture of love and unity during the month of Ramadan. The young men assembled care packages containing essential supplies ranging from rice and bread to non perishables and flour. They handmade rope shopping bags containing the goods from the heart of the homes and attached thoughtful notes containing tips, tricks and encouraging messages. In order to add this personalized touch, they had to learn how to weave the bags virtually through mobile applications such as Duo and WhatsApp. Mastering such a hands-on skill remotely required substantial commitment and determination on their part. Once filled, the parcels were sanitized and delivered to families’ doorsteps by youths wearing protective gear to guarantee everyone’s safety via MARCH’s newest transportation social initiative, TukTukna. Over 4000 households benefited from “Albe 3ala Jare”. Furthermore, MARCH is also carrying out additional food distribution efforts in collaboration with other local organizations such as The Women Collective Lebanon, the Lebanese Food Bank and Tamanna Foundation who have generously donated supplies to help support 180 more households. Adding to that and as part of our civil-military cooperation, youth of March’s Beb el Dahab program from Jabal Mohsen and Beb el Tebbeneh, collaborated with the LAF and distributed over 2000 food parcels in different areas of Tripoli (Jabal Mohsen, Beb el Tebbeneh, Albaddaoui) A similar initiative took place in Beirut where youth from our Hona Beirut community -MARCH’s cultural space in the capital- distributed food parcels to families in need around the areas of Chiah, Tariq Al Jadidah, Madina Al Riyadiya and Khandaq Al Ghamiq. These youths’ journey has been marked by incredible resilience and inspiring perseverance. They bring light and hope to their surroundings and continue to generate positive change at a grassroots level which untimely has a ripple effect throughout.
