Beyond, PDF, CD

I exist
S.P.A.R.E
Mogadedon
I exist
The same life routine we follow makes
us forget why we even exist; it turns
us in to walking robots unable to enjoy
life. For that, the young passionate
photographer, Rehab El-Dalil looked for
a way to make people use their energy
in something positive, so in 2012 “I
exist” was launched. This project is
attempting to refresh people’s days and
make them think of a reason to smile, it
highlights different subjects in order to
inspire them.
Within her big
project she
creates different
causes; one of
them was “A
care for a smile”.
In this cause,
Rehab worked
on hunting
people around
the streets of
Cairo, who might
have something
positive to spread
in the universe.
She wants them
to share a quote
or a saying that is
positive, that way
they might feel relived and share some
of their happiness with others.
Many of the people she approached
were happy with the idea, even the
depressed
ones got
I exist
thrilled as soon as she smiled at
them and asked them to participate
in the project. She tried to speak their
language and study their nature before
making any move. She wanted to
successfully deliver her message so,
on top of all that; “I smile and answer
all of their questions”. El-Dalil said.
Her task was not that hard, still El-Dalil
confirmed that she was amazed by
the reactions of the people but luckily
70% of the ones she approached were
helpful and got excited by the idea. “I
was stunned to see people who were
in a lower social class more welcoming
than those of the higher one.” She
added.
Rehab found happiness in
photographing and she wanted to
spread her happiness with a new idea
that could help people. She is working
hard and has several future plans in
order to make her message spread
around.
Shagara
“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows
seeds, and then a bird, or a person or
an animal eats from it, it is regarded
as a charitable gift (Sadaqah) for
him.” Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him) said.
So what if a person plants trees to
beautify, decrease pollution and provide
aid to the economically disadvantaged?
How do you think that person will be
Shagara
awarded? Shagara (Tree) the nongovernmental
organization aims
to do that by planting roofs in the
greater cities and by raising the
environmental awareness.
They think that by planting one’s
roof with fruit yielding trees and
plants, you can help them to eat
the seeds of these planted trees
or to sell them and by that they’re
indirectly offering them a job.
They have started their project right
after the revolution; “we believe that
everyone should have a role to add
positively to our society.” So as they
noticed how people lack knowledge
about the environmental issues
and the importance of tree, they
decided on this kind of positive acts
and started to work. The “Shagara”
team was glad to establish the idea
in many places; they gave advice for
people to start the planting process
themselves. They also believe that
such an idea can raise happiness
among people, physically and
psychologically.
“Psychology researches
proved that spending time in
green areas and in nature has
positive effects on the moods
or mentalities…Physically,
when you are surrounded by
greens you inhale purer and
healthier air which affects
your health positively, you
feel more active and creative.
Also in this particular project
you get to eat healthy food
and you get your own rooftop
garden, so of course you will
be at least happier.” added
one of the “Shagara” team.
“S.P.A.R.E” the animal welfare
Happiness is not restricted on
human beings it is a broader term
that includes all the creatures and
that is what S.P.A.R.E (the Society
for the protection of Animal Rights in
Egypt) tended to do since 2001.
They aimed at saving the poor
helpless animals by speaking “for the
creatures of this world that cannot say
when it hurts, when they are scared.”
Amina Abaza, the founder and
president of S.P.A.R.E, lovingly said
that the most relief they get is when
they find a warm home for one of the
stray abused animals in Egypt, they
feel like they have received the best
reward after saving an animal’s life.
Before them being well-known by
many, people were afraid to support the
project, Egyptians did not want to seem
crazy or abnormal for helping animals.
But they then started to get over their
fears and to offer as much help as
possible. Abaza added that “The most
inspiring situation was finding out that
many Egyptians were animal lovers
but under cover.” and S.P.A.R.E has
helped them to reveal this cover.
S.P.A.R.E has gladly motivated
many animal welfare organizations
to start their own business and it
succeeded in spreading happiness
among the animals they save and
among themselves as well.
“When we are surrounded by these
pure creatures we find ourselves, we
find sincere creatures, who love you
for who you are and as you are, we
find authenticity…we find true love,
we find that we have done the best
thing in our life to work for them and
help them ...we find peace.” said
Abaza with an extreme excitement.
Love, hope, enthusiasm and happiness are
the common traits that feature the previous
initiatives. Those are just samples of what
many good people tend to do in this community.
We should not lose hope; we should not back
down because this smile was here all the time.
It just needed to glow brightly, and luckily, we
are now able to see its shinning sparkle.
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