Providing Aid to Syrian Refugee Children and Tunisian Orphans in Tunisia

By Tunisian Relief Team (Originally in Arabic)

Because of war, millions of Syrians have fled their country, with approximately 4,000 being received in Tunisia. According to Tunisian Vice Minister of Immigration and Social Integration, Mr. Belgacem Sabri, most of their children have enrolled in public schools and all refugees are given equal treatment as the citizens of the country in terms of public services and social care. However, as a result of the refugee crisis, the number of children and minors who are sadly separated from their guardians has also increased. Calling for humanitarian support, the CEO of SOS Children’s Villages International, Mr. Richard Pichler stated, “The needs of refugee children must be met. Their lives and futures are at stake.”

In response to Supreme Master Ching Hai’s compassionate instructions to help the refugees, our Association members from San Jose Center in California, United States contributed US$6,000 to buy desperately needed food for Syrian refugee children and Tunisian orphans who live in the SOS Children’s Villages International in Akouda, a small town located on the central-eastern Tunisian coast. As one of the four Villages in the country, it has 14 family houses which can accommodated 112 children.

Based on the suggestion from the Village Director, Mr Imed Labben, our Association members purchased and delivered vegetable oil, tomato paste and rice in October 2015. We also printed 100 copies of Loving Recipe booklets in Arabic to share with single mothers who reside at the SOS Children’s Villages in Tunisia. In addition, we gifted the Villages and Akouda Red Crescent the Arabic version of Master’s books, From Crisis to Peace – the Organic Vegan Way is the Answer and The Birds in My Life.

The families and children were uplifted by the unexpected assistance and gifts, and gave their thanks to Allah. An 8-year-old boy asked to keep a copy of Master’s book with him. Our Association members also felt grateful and thanked Allah for the chance to comfort the vulnerable children in Tunisia.

Blankets for the Winter – December 2015

In December 2015, based on the request from the Tunisia SOS Village Director, Mr Imed Labben for 100 blankets for Tunisian orphans and Syrian refugee children, our local Association member sent US$2,700 (TND 5,500) to the SOS Village. The fund was provided by our Singapore Association members.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Refugee Relief Work in Tunisia, October 2015 and December 2015