ROTA Cooperates with HMC to Celebrate Garangaou with Children
Volunteers distribute Garangaou bags for over 100 children
_0.jpg
)
Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) and volunteers celebrated Garangaou with children from Hamad and Rumaillah Hospitals. The celebration was part of the ROTA Ramadan Project 2010, a series of community initiatives by ROTA and its supporting partners during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and organized with the help of Hamad Medical Corporation.
Both events took place on August 25 and included around 115 children from Rumaillah Children's Rehabilitation Department and Hamad Hospital's Pediatric and Oncology wards.
The first of the Garangaou celebrations took place in the morning, at Qatar Foundation's Recreation Center, 17 ROTA volunteers and 35 children from Rumaillah Children's Rehabilitation Department were celebrating Garangaou with face painting, Henna, sport games, and the usual Garangaou bags, and sweets.
Reem Al Daghma, Community Development Manager of ROTA, said: "We are extremely grateful to our wonderful volunteers and of course to THE One for their continuous assistance in all our activities. They have set a wonderful example for others to follow by devoting their valuable time and efforts for helping our community."
Commenting on the event, ROTA Community Development manager, Ms Reem Al Daghma said: "This is the third year ROTA is celebrating Garangaou with the children from Rumaillah's Children's Rehabilitation Department and, as in past years, it was a wonderful experience to see the children, and volunteers, interacting and enjoying themselves. We look forward to working with Rumaillah on this and other projects in the future."
Later on, and across town at Hamad Hospital's Pediatric and Oncology wards, a second Garangaou celebration from 8pm until 10pm took place. 20 ROTA volunteers and approximately 80 children participated in the activities which included music, dancing, games, and Garangaou bags. For children who were unable to participate actively, volunteers visited individual rooms delivering Garangaou gifts, sweets and toys as well as performing for them, including singing and guitar playing.
ROTA volunteer, Hamda Zain had this to say about her experience: "I really enjoyed the Garangaou during the holy month of Ramadan. The happiness and strength of these kids have been inspiring beyond words. We've grown to love each of them and their unique qualities. I have also developed a deep respect and admiration for the staff and fellow volunteers. One kid who has touched me is "Othman" I met him only that day and we were a good team; he felt happy when he won one of those traditional games and came back to me; I was so proud of him. As a volunteer, my own life has been changed and forever sweetened."
In providing opportunities to volunteers to reach out to their local communities, this year's Ramadan project aims to benefit approximately 700 individuals through various activities such as visits to community based institutions where volunteers and beneficiaries share Iftar; Garangaouu activities at different hospitals and food items packing and distribution to over 100 families in need.
Check out some more pictures of our Ramadan project on our Facebook page
