In a worldw here many face adversity, the Rotaract Club of Aley has always been a stead fast supporter of those who need it most. Under the leadership of Community Service Director Karine Ichtay, the Embrace & Empower initiative continues to make a profound difference by focusing on uplifting women and children during their most challenging times. This project, though not a collaboration, was made possible through the generous support of Rotaract and Rotary Lebanon Disaster Relief Committee.
The Embrace& Empower project reached 165 individuals, offering not just material aid, but also emotional empowerment. This initiative was led by 3dedicated members of the club, who coordinated with local schools and shelters to ensure those in need received the necessary support. Through this project, Rotaract Aley distributed essential goods such as pads, milk,and diapers, while also providing a motivational session for women, which is a powerful form of emotional and psychological support.
This initiative addresses a variety of Rotary Areas of Focus. Primarily, it tackles Peace building and Conflict Resolution by helping women regain their emotional strength and resilience through motivational talks, empowering them to overcome challenges in their lives. It also contributes to Basic Education and Literacy by guiding women toward personal growth and fostering a spirit of hope and perseverance. Furthermore, it addresses Community Economic Development by supporting women and children in vulnerable situations and promoting Maternal and Child Health by distributing essential items that support the physical well-being of mothers and their children.
Embrace& Empower was born out of the Rotaract Club of Aley’s ongoing commitment to serve the community during difficult times. It was identified that women and children in shelters needed more than just physical provisions—they also needed emotional encouragement to help them navigate through their struggles. The project was designed to fulfill both these needs by providing essential goods while also empowering women to take charge of their personal growth.
The planning for this project involved careful coordination with the Maroun Abboud Official High School and Lebanese University, where 165individuals received support. A professional motivational speaker, Jana Abi Mershed, was invited to lead an inspiring session for about 35 women,offering them valuable strategies to overcome their difficulties and helping them envision brighter futures.
The project also included the distribution of pads, milk, and diapers—items that address the basic health needs of mothers and children. The aim was to ensure that even in the face of hardship, these individuals would have access to the most basic forms of support needed for their physical and emotional well-being.
This initiative is a reflection of Rotaract Aley’s enduring legacy in the community, demonstrating a commitment not just to immediate relief, but to long-lasting empowerment. Through projects like Embrace & Empower,the club is ensuring that women and children not only survive their challenges but thrive beyond them.
