OpenMinds bring together Lebanese NGOs in support of individuals with special needs
Beirut, November 13, 2022: OpenMinds, an NGO dedicated to assisting individuals with special needs, embarked on a very unique initiative this year on the occasion of the Beirut Marathon. With the sole mission of supporting those in need, OpenMinds launched “Together for one cause, together we run”, joining forces with CARE Lebanon, Lebanese Autism Society, Mosaik, Next Step at AUB, Step Together, Trait D’union and Udiversity.
The 8 NGOs were present during the marathon and had a dedicated booth, water and cheerleading stations to engage, interreact and create more awareness. More than 500 runners, including fun runners and semi-pro runners, decided to support this cause, and run for this great initiative while running for Beirut.
Commenting on the occasion, Ghida Rabbat President of OpenMinds stated: “Together, with a unified voice and message, our impact will be stronger, and more powerful in Lebanon. Individuals with special needs deserve that we work together to ensure a better future for all of us. Together we are stronger! Individuals with Special Needs are an essential part of society and represent 10% of the population, raising awareness is key, they deserve to have a voice. “The world needs all kinds of minds” Temple Grandin, and we therefore need to support them to be included in our society. Our goal is to have Lebanese people integrate individuals with special needs as part of society and include them in all aspects of it”
In turn, each of the participating NGO’s shared their thoughts on being part of this initiative.
Arwa El Amine Halawi- Lebanese ِAutism Society President stated: “We at the Lebanese ِAutism Society believe in joining forces for a good cause. Achieving our goal to reach the wellbeing of Individuals with Special Needs in general and Individuals with autism in particular needs collaboration with other NGOs. When OpenMinds approached us to be part of the collaboration with 7 other NGOs to raise awareness about Individuals with Special Needs, we were very enthusiastic to get on Board and proud to take part of it. Proud of being among other Lebanese people that despite everything they are still have the spirit to be united for a good cause.”
“Uniting little pieces, we create a great Mosaik” added Directors of Mosaik and Trait D’union – Sawsan Mansour & Nanor Tarpinian
As for the Next Step AUB Director, Mona Agha Maktabi, she stated: “Next Step joined in this collaboration with OpenMinds and other NGOs believing it’s worth taking this step and run together for the benefit of a shared objective which is the importance of inclusion for individuals with special needs.”
“This collaboration proudly puts Udiversity on a platform to increase awareness of the strength of our students to become independent. Running for this cause is a duty from us to the whole community. Thank you OpenMinds for this amazing idea,” mentioned Sawsan Wazzan Jabri, Co-founder Udiversity
In turn, Rana Sawaya, Co-founder and Principal of CARE, added: “We have always firmly believed that united we stand strong. So what better way is there other than joining with other NGOs that have the same calling so as to spread awareness and make a big impact? Let’s make this happen!”
As for Dr. Rim Mouawad, School President of Step Together, she shared her thoughts stating: “Step Together is a place where we all learn, heal, live, and work together. It values each individual’s unique abilities and strives to provide an inclusive environment where each individual is accepted. Today, Step Together wants to prove that we can be together, run together to promote inclusion, equity, and equality for individuals with special needs. Let’s support each other for a better future and more equitable world because as Mahatma Gandhi says, “the future depends on what we do today”.”
With this initiative OpenMinds hopes to set an example and encourage other NGOs to join forces and collaborate for the greater good of society.