“We are convinced that good is contagious.” This is the certainty that led over two hundred volunteers to a small but significant gesture toward the reconstruction of Aleppo, Syria.
“We are convinced that good is contagious.” This is the certainty that led over two hundred volunteers to a small but significant gesture toward the reconstruction of Aleppo, Syria.
Led by the Franciscan parish of St. Francis, several scouts and city locals took up brushes, buckets and paint to repaint the sidewalks of the metropolis that has been so devastated by the conflict.
“We are the scouts of St. Ephraim and we are participating in this cleaning project of the streets of Aleppo. We will make them look clean and beautiful again! It is an honor to take part in this initiative.”
“As a member of the scouts, I think this project is amazing, because it has allowed me to stay in a positive attitude while rebuilding Aleppo. I am proud to belong to this city and to the scouts, and I hope we can rebuild it.”
The campaign, inaugurated on June 18, is called “Aleppo more beautiful” and is carried out by the Friars of the Custody, in agreement with Bishop Mons. George Abou Khazen, with the support of the Governor, the Mayor and the City. The objective (of this project) is to restore the municipal signage to indicate the areas allowed for car parking.
“This is a symbolic activity, whose meaning is that we, the scouts, all work together towards the same purpose: making our streets beautiful again, where we will be able to walk normally again.”
“I admire these young people from the depth of my heart and cannot find words to express this feeling! They give us the great hope that tomorrow will be better. God bless and protect them.”
emphasizes Fra Ibrahim Alsabagh, Latin parish priest of the city.
A little gesture that suggests that hope rises from the rubble.
“This initiative is great. We stay here to serve our land and our young people. May God bless us and protect us.”