Mansourieh Al Daishounieh, Lebanon. The Lebanese organization Step Together has spent many years building an education center near Beirut for people with special support needs. Today, around 200 people between the ages of three and sixty are cared for in the facilities. Director Rim Mouawad explains how the initiative is dealing with the country’s current crisis.
The war in Lebanon affects everyone at Step Together; the amount of stress and anxiety, coupled with uncertainty about the future, pushes optimism into the fringes. But it is precisely in these moments that hope is most important. We keep it alive by focusing on our resilience. War can destroy homes and divide nations, but it cannot extinguish our capacity for compassion, courage and strength. If we follow Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy—which was forged in times of war—we firmly believe that the world can change for the benefit of humanity and that we must work for it.
At Step Together, our students with support needs are our role models of hope. Their resilience and courage inspire us every day. We place great emphasis on protecting those we serve by creating a safe environment for them, focusing on social-emotional learning, outdoor excursions, and artistic creation in the areas of music, movement, painting and form drawing. These activities are not only educational but also therapeutic. They help to process emotions and find joy in the midst of chaos. We also emphasize rhythms and celebrate birthdays and special events to promote a sense of normalcy. These celebrations bring everyone together and create memories that serve as a counterbalance to the surrounding turmoil.
The well-being of our teachers and staff is also a high priority. We plan meditation sessions and self-development courses to maintain their strength and resilience. These sessions help our team to manage their stress and stay grounded. Our community spirit, fueled by compassion and solidarity, is ultimately what sustains us. We organize support groups and events to bring people together and strengthen a sense of belonging. By building these bonds, we create a network of support that extends beyond our immediate circle and fosters a collective resilience that can withstand the pressures of these difficult times.
More Step Together
Translation Charles Cross
Title image Jenna Jacobs
