As of August 12, 2020 we are offering an extension to our Arabic Online program, the Alefb #Sawa4Good initiative to connect all students ages 8 to 18, inside and outside of Lebanon. Together we create the #Sawa4Good friendship network! This is where students can connect freely but securely. Where they can exchange all their hopes, dreams, concerns and everyday updates, in any language and any form they wish. 

It is well documented that this type of exchange between peers can act as a positive relief in times of trauma and stress. Our children are suffering from a public health crisis (Covid 19), changes in their schooling, and news of violence in the US (Black Lives Matter) and in Lebanon (August 4, 2020 explosion). #Sawa4Good is where they can feel they are not alone. 

How it works: [Students don’t need to be enrolled in Alefb classes and it’s free for all]

Step 1: Students from Lebanon, and from Alefb’s network fill out the Sawa4Good survey to help us match them with a friend across the oceans.
Step 2: While waiting for their match, Alefb students can contribute a message of hope and support, in our collective Digital Postcard. Alefb will send the Digital Postcard to students in Lebanon. We have established contacts with our partners SoS villages, Assabil Libraries, and more to distribute these messages, and to introduce their students to Sawa4Good.
Step 3: Alefb will send every two matching students an intro email, encouraging them to start a regular correspondence via chat, mail, email, or any other way they like.
Step 4: Start writing… The #Sawa4Good friendship network is created! 

Throughout the process, Alefb will be checking in on members of the #Sawa4Good friendship network, organizing Zoom group conversations, and maybe… one day … scheduling a trip to visit our friends in person…
Please spread the word so that we can support one another in these unprecedented times. Stay Well and Do Good!