The boy who was invisible - South Lebanon
They all nearly walked on him – Siegfried Weiser and John Sutin from the WSF - as they were ushered by the mayor of the small village near Nabathia in Southern Lebanon into the brand new tent – it’s as if he wasn’t there – a small six year old, doing what six year olds do – he was in his own world … safe…. at last …
Young Thaaer, had arrived just two days before, following a perilous journey from his home in war-torn Syria. He had travelled with his mother, her elderly parents and three older siblings … to the welcoming arms of this small community – a relatively poor community, who themselves have known conflict, destruction and fear, but, perhaps because of their own history, have offered a welcome to those even more in need than themselves.
What young Thaaer saw, nobody knows, his eyes lack the light and hope of other kids his age, but thanks today to the Scouts of Lebanon, his family now has a home, his home (it’s a tent with beds and floor mats, warm blankets and warm clothes for his whole family – but to him, it’s a REAL home) and thanks to the smiling, caring volunteers from the Scouts, his feelings his dreams and his fears can be expressed not in words, but in colours on paper. And the masterpiece Thaaer has drawn for his mother is a picture of his new home, with a smiling sun looking down, and the flag from Lebanon there to protect him … a child’s view, but a wonderful one … “I feel safe” says the picture!
Siegfried talks to Thaaer’s frail grandfather, taking time to really understand the worries he has for his daughter, and shies away from the thanks the old man heaps on him for making this gift possible through the MOP programme.
“Many of the people of Southern Lebanon and many the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may not share the same religious beliefs or the same political views, but today, thanks to the Scouts of Lebanon and the work of Dr Atif Abdelrahman from the Cairo Regional WOSM Office, they are joined together – to take care of one little boy, Thaaer, a six year old who now understands that regardless of religious or political beliefs, there are good people in the world, and that when you are sad, lonely and hungry, that there are people called “Scouts” that come to your side and make you feel safe.
“What a nice message”, said Siegfried, as his face swells with emotion, “Our job now is to work with Dr Atif, his colleague Scott Teare, and the Leaders of the Scouts of Lebanon, to help these amazing young people of Lebanese Scouting to do even more. Sadly, before this conflict is solved there will be many more Thaaers, but there are 100,000 Scouts in Lebanon, ready to welcome each one! And the WSF is here to support these Scouts as they take leadership in this very difficult time.”
“I must compliment Sheikh Nasee and the Scouts here for their wonderful work. While there are 33 different Scout Associations in Lebanon, reflecting the wonderful mosaic of culture that is Lebanon, you all work together in excellent programmes such as these. Your joint leadership training ensures that young leaders, regardless of where they come from in Lebanon, will grow up with the same basic principles and values of Scouting – a non political movement which gives hope to young people!
Siegfried Weiser, John Sutin, and John Geoghegan from WSF were in Lebanon for three days to observe the Scouts of Lebanon as they roll out their programme “My Tent is Your Tent” under the sponsorship of the foundation’s Messengers of Peace Fund, which has been generously supported by the King of Saudi Arabia. Siegfried will meet later with His Majesty the King of Sweden to examine the outcomes of His Majesty’s visit to Philippines where he has observed the work of the Philippines Scouts in the aftermath of the Typhoon disaster there. As we have learned form Haiti and elsewhere, Disaster Preparedness is clearly a priority for Scouts in many countries, and WSF has been asked by World Scout Secretary General Scott Teare to support this important global priority programme.
