Sunday, February 3, 2008

The Very Latest From Dr. Mona El-Farra in Gaza

Before my laptop batteries are empty

4th of february 2008-Gaza

"it is 2 weeks since we did not have power in Gaza , it was back for short period , now we have patchy power in all areas of Gaza strip , in my flat i have the electricity for 2 - 4 hours if i am lucky , sometimes i do not have it all day , i thought of writing something to change your mood while you are following our stories in Gaza , while i am the one who is in big need to lift my morale , it is my candles' night , unfortunately not a very romantic candle lit night , it is very difficult for me to write whenever i have the urge and desire to do so , and i need to hurry up before my laptop batteries are dead , but any way, i was trying to be charming and persuade my teenager girl of the advantages of having candles a and quiet evening without tv or new sophisticated technology , the answer came back quickly ,with a grim face , "OK, but if it was our choice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!" simple few words from my child who , like all her mates, leads an unusual and cruel life in Gaza while the occupation continues these harsh measurements of cutting off fuel and electricity against gaza population.

we resist the occupation :

by enduring this difficult unbearable life ,and still not being crushed by our occupier's foot ,continue to live and even to create new ideas to educate and entertain our children , today i was in Nussierat Refugee camp(one of Gaza middle camps ) , where i witnessed the opening of the English Club for the Kids of Afaq Jadida center(New Horizon ), 30 kids age 15-17 will have the chance of learning computer and english language ,
it is amazing, it is inspiring to see the kids sitting to learn while the center had little day light and it was dim, there were candles too , in another corner of the center , the library i could clearly see some kids reading books using candle lights , the librarian on her wheelchair, with smiling face, watching and encouraging .It was good chance for John Harvey , from Olympia Rafah sister city foundation(USA) , to take some photos and to show his solidarity and support .
the center is in great need for electrical generator , well, another task for me ,and a great necessity for this little paradise , where the kids can enjoy whatever's possible in this gloomy atmosphere , i believe that it is so important to support the kids' psychology via entertaining activities , this is what we do in Afaq jadida and other children centers in Gaza , those are in partnership with the Middle East Children Alliances ,
before the battery is empty , with all my love i say goodbye "

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