AWARE

Lecture and Exhibition - KUWAIT 4 KENYA

LOYAC, a well-known local youth organisation, featured their humanitarian project K4K (Kuwait for Kenya) through a very informative PowerPoint presentation given by Maryam Al-Hamad and Sarah Al-Ansari.

LOYACs mission is to enable youths of all nationalities residing in Kuwait to evolve into highly effective young people through all sorts of educational workshops and programs (visit: www.loyac.org for more information).

Maryam and Sara were part of the team of young LOYAC volunteers who traveled to Kenya to perform various community projects such as building classrooms, teaching in schools, and donating books and computers.
In addition to giving a presentation, K4K volunteers also displayed tables with various wood-carvings and traditional handicrafts of Kenya which were available for purchase, the proceeds of which will help fund the project.

The K4K (Kuwait for Kenya) project was launched in 2006 by Nadia AlSaqqaf and has had many successes over the last 3 years. K4K was sparked by the painful sights of the streets of Mombasa through the eyes of Kuwaiti youth. Maryam and Sara, the presenters, explained how children as young as five years old sniffed glue and gasoline as an alternative to food. In addition, HIV/AIDS is very prevalent and spreads uncontrollably among the youth, not to mention the millions of children born with it. Poverty is everywhere in Mombasa, which means furthering ones education or career is not always possible. The flickering light of hope comes in the form of a local organisation, MYCC (Mombassa Youth Counseling Center) and K4K.

The achievements of the K4K team to date speak volumes about the remarkable effectiveness of LOYAC in its efforts to train and educate its young members and help them develop into truely able and socially conscious individuals, thus contributing richly to the building of a sound, productive society in this part of the world.

The AWARE Center thanks LOYAC, the wonderful K4K team, and attending members of the Kenyan embassy who graciously displayed artifacts and hand-crafted objects for our guests to admire. The AWARE Center will keep close contact with K4K and share information about their activities and progress through future lectures and events.

We also enjoyed a short but interesting presentation by 2 very creative Kuwait University students, Dalal Al-Nukhailan and Dalal Al-Zaben who have formed a club called: NUTRI VIVA, a food science and nutrition club, which aims at educating and encouraging more awareness regarding proper nutrition in Kuwait, addressing the alarming problem of obesity and other food-related disorders and which has also participated in food relief in Africa through Loyac. Well done Dalal and Dalal!

Healthy Lifestyles On Thursday 10th January 2008

On Thursday 10th January 2008 the AWARE Center hosted a "healthy Lifestyles" night. Along with a variety of health products, fitness equipment and gym info there was a special lecture by Deanne McMullen, an Australian nutritionist. Not forgetting the representatives from the Kuwait Bike club who thoroughly encouraged everyone to get a bike and join them as they bike around Kuwait on various scenic routes.

Deanne started her lecture by stating that actually most people dont know how to change their behaviour around food. Its not just a matter of saying they wont each this or that. Knowledge isnt enough. Our decisions are influences by many factors. Therefore making possible changes and making them stick is the key but it isnt easy to changes lifetime habits.
Many people have a common New Year Resolution – to loose weight. However, most have given up by the middle of January!
Deanne explained many of the common factors as to why people become over weight in the first place – sedentary lifestyle, labour saving devices, large portions, neighbourhood (here in Kuwait we dont walk much and so many restaurants, many have drive ins) and of course the ever increasing availability of fast food.
There are two main factors as to why people fail. The first is internal, inside ourselves and the second is external, our environment.
Even with understanding and knowledge you can find conflicting and wrong information. Just look at the differences in the food pyramid which is published by various countries worldwide.

Im sure everyone in the audience learnt something new or at the very least gained further encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle. Look out for a more extensive article which will be available soon at Awares Together magazine website. www.together.com.kw

Thur 24th Jan 2008: Desert Wildlife Watching

This was the title for a fascinating lecture held recently at AWARE on Thursday 24th January 2008. Most people tend to think of the desert as a desolate area of sand where nothing or no one could reside. As well as that many people when thinking of the desert picture a desert like the Sahara which is full of blowing sand dunes. However upon arriving in Kuwait and driving out to the desert they are often disappointed to find it flat with its sand quite compact, looking less inviting or mysterious.

Yet Abdulrahman Al-Sirhans lecture proved just how wrong those assumptions are.
Kuwait is in the extreme south-eastern corner of what is known as the Western Palearctic, an avifaunal region. This causes Kuwait to have some rare birds. Abdulrahman, a Kuwaiti gentleman whose passion is to desert watch showed slides of several rare birds and described how many keen bird watchers make their way to Kuwait especially to see these rare birds.

Of course the desert also has a wide variety of other creatures who inhabit it. Various lizards, snakes, gerbils, spiders and even foxes can be found if you know where to look.

Then we mustnt forget that there is the plant life. Amazingly even with Kuwaits scorching summer heat there can be plants and flowers to be found once a few drops of rain have moistened the dry sand.
Im sure everyone in the audience was intrigued by many of the photos shown that night. Look out for a more extensive article which will be available soon at Awares Together magazine website. www.together.com.kw

You can also check out Abdulrahmans website www.alsirhan.com

Climate Change – A global overview & impact on Kuwaits marine environment.

This very interesting lecture was presented by a Kuwaiti lady, Dr. Amani Al-Zaidan at AWARE on Thursday 6th March 2008. Dr. Amani is currently an Assistant Professor at Kuwait University, which is where she gained her BSc in Zoology before studying in UK for her Masters and then a PhD in Marine Biology.

Using her power-point presentation Dr. Amani took the audience through a global overview of climate change starting with its definition – increase in the earths temperature caused by a buildup of gases, which trap solar radiation in the atmosphere. Normally some of the suns radiation bounces back but now they get trapped which is commonly called the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases are those that cause more heat to be trapped. The sources of these gases are fossil fuel, diesel, deforestation and aerosols (CFCs). One of the major sources of CFCs are the coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners. These gases breakdown whats known as the ozone layer.

Dr. Amani went onto discuss in quite some detail the effects of deforestation, glacier melting, costal erosion, the marine environment, thermal pollution and all those effects particularly on Kuwait.

The last part of her lecture was practical information on what each individual can do to make a difference. The first of which is to change to using the halogen light bulbs. Although seeming expensive compared to the original type not only do they give off more light but they last 12 times longer. Another tip that everyone can do is to only boil the amount of water you actually need in the electric kettle instead of filling it to the maximum each time.
The audience certainly enjoyed the lecture and the questions at the end showed their interest in actively participating to make a difference. A more in depth article on this lecture will soon be available at AWAREs Together Online magazine. Check it out at www.together.com.kw where youll find many other cultural and topical articles as well as other information about Kuwait.

The AWARE Arabian Desert Camp all-day outing

The AWARE Arabian Desert Camp all-day outing held February 9, 2008 from 9am-4pm was an eventful day outdoors shared with more than 300 participants and AWARE staff and volunteers. Ten busses gathered at the AWARE Center in Surra early Saturday morning to escort guests 70KM South to the AWARE Desert Camp site. Upon arrival, participants were warmly greeted and served a variety of juices, tea and coffee and allowed to stretch out after an hours ride to the campsite.

Pilates and More Health Club of Kuwait was on site to warmly welcome participants to sign up for various sporting competitions including; Volleyball, Tug-o-War, Nordic Walking Desert Tour, Kuwait Desert Riddle-Rally Race and various other sporting events for adults and children.

The camp was then officially opened by the AWARE Center Staff and a Kuwaiti Cultural Band was on site to perform the Traditional Ardtha Sword Dance to the beating of the drums.

Camel, horse and pony rides were offered to all interested individuals and buggies were on site for those wanting to scout around in the desert.

A hot buffet lunch was then served to guests followed by the Kuwait Desert Riddle-Rally; a series of sporting events that led participants through a desert course and required the solving of a riddle while the clock was ticking. Children were also involved in sporting events such as water-relays and jet pilot tests.

An Arabian Cultural Tent allowed participants to try on a variety of Arab traditional clothing, learn more about the art of Sadu weavings, participate in a Kuwait Culture Quiz, experience the making of the traditional Arabic Coffee while aromas of traditional wood-smoke, known as bekour, filled the tent.

An AWARE Award Ceremony has been scheduled for February 28 at 7pm at the AWARE Center in Surra.
We invite participants from the following sports teams to claim their winning prizes at the Award Ceremony:
Teams: Tigers, T-Q, Roses, Claudine, Stars, Hercules & Safari.
Kuwait Culture Quiz Winner: Mr. Barney Smith

Many participants commented on how much they enjoyed the day and all the activities provided and were asking if AWARE would host another Desert Camp Outing soon.
We thank all who participated and look forward to welcoming you to the AWARE Center in Surra.

December 13, 2007 Lecture by Zed Al-Refai – On Top of Mt. EVEREST

The AWARE Center, an organization promoting Western-Arab relations, hosted a lecture on December 13 by Zed al-Refai, the first Arab and Kuwaiti to climb Mt Everest, which he achieved on 22nd May 2003. During an intriguing 80-minute presentation, Zed kept us on the edge of our seats as he showed a premier excerpt of a video movie of his narrow escape from death, slides of Nepal and the successful ascent during its various stages, and the equipment used for mountain climbing.

In his uniquely quiet and often humoristic way, Zed commented on each slide and explained that during expeditions climbers face great physical exertion and hardship, but there are also many mental challenges. He said that mountain climbers challenge their own abilities rather than challenging the mountain. To get to the top is not an easy task; it requires a great amount of physical strength backed by strong will.

As an example of the sort of challenge one might meet as a mountaineer, he pointed out that to cover the last 500 meters to the top of Mt Everest took him 12 hours. That is because of the low level of oxygen, 50 below zero temperatures, inability to eat or drink properly due to the altitudes effect on the body and the sheer weight of the equipment, especially the boots which alone weigh 4 kg!

Before Zed succeeded in climbing Mt Everest, he made an unsuccessful attempt that nearly cost him his life. He developed high altitude cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain. His team carried him down the mountain unconscious in an oxygen chamber and he was in a coma for four days. Zed admitted he might not have tried the second time, had he seen that video earlier…

Zed reported that nearly one in six people die trying to climb Mt Everest. That is why one should be fully prepared before going on a climbing expedition by checking the weather conditions far in advance and descending immediately should the weather worsen.

After all, there isnt a single mountain worth risking your life for.

Zed is also the first Arab to complete the Seven Summits and the 46th person in history to conquer the 7 highest summits on the seven continents, which include Kilimanjaro in Africa (5963 meters), Denali- Mount McKinley in North America (6195 meters), Elbrus in Europe (5633 meters), Aconcagua in South America (6962 meters), Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania (4884 meters), Vinson in Antarctica (4897 meters) and Everest in Asia (8,848 meters).

Zed was born and raised in Kuwait, then travelled to the US to earn a bachelor degree in Political Science from Stockton State University, New Jersey. He spent his holidays trekking in New England, the Rockies and in the North Pacific states. Its there that he acquired a passion for mountaineering. Zed currently resides in Switzerland most of the time.

For information about upcoming lectures at the AWARE Center, visit www.aware.com.kw.

Experiencing Iftar at AWARE

With the approach of Ramadan AWARE began preparing the special iftar programme. The first iftar was held on Tuesday 18^th September (6th Ramadan). Teachers from Gulf English School, American International School and Ideal Educational School attended. After arrival and a quick tour of the center by Activities Manager Iman Martin, she then spoke briefly about AWARE and its activities. The Education Manager Hassan Taha then gave a short presentation about the Wisdom of Fasting. This gave a lot of information about why Muslims fast as well as some of the benefits which hopefully dispel some myths that fasting is harmful.

Upon hearing the athan for Mughrib dates, water and leban were passed around. Whilst the Muslims present prayed Mughrib(the sunset prayer), the visitors were able to watch the AWARE events slideshow which showed many of last years activities. Then the buffet was opened. For many of these newly arrived teachers it was an opportunity to taste Arabic food as well as experience the atmosphere of breaking the fast. Before the evening came to an end Activities Manager Iman Martin gave a short cultural presentation which also was an opportunity to encourage them to look forward to AWAREs up coming Cultural course which is scheduled to start after Eid Al-Fitr in October.

The second iftar was held on Wednesday 19^th September (7^th Ramadan). This was open to everyone and a good number of people attended.

AWARE hosted a total of 6 iftars throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. The visitors, who were mostly new arrivals to Kuwait, stated that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were grateful for the opportunity to participate in this experience.

Welcome to Kuwait Workshops

As a special service to schools the AWARE Center contacted the foreign schools here in Kuwait to offer a cultural orientation called "Welcome to Kuwait Workshop" to their newly arrived faculty. The Orientation includes a presentation entitled "Destination Kuwait" as well as one which gives information on how to cope with culture shock. They are also informed of AWARE and our services which can give them a good introduction to Kuwaiti culture. Of course, they are also able to ask questions to our knowledgeable staff.

The first of the schools orientation visits took place on Sunday 19th August. The new teachers from American Creativity Academy came along to visit the AWARE Center. About 20 people attended. Refreshments were served in between the presentations. The newly arrived teachers were also given a tour of AWAREs facilities and many of them enjoyed dressing up in Kuwaiti dress for the first time.

Turkish Night

The AWARE Center in cooperation with the Turkish Embassy hosted a very special event on Wednesday 21st February.

In the presence of the Turkish Ambassador H.E. Sakir Fakili the Turkish evening began
with a welcome by Dr. Ibrahim AL-Adsani as well as presenting a gift of thanks to the Turkish Consul, Miss Anil Ozge Ulsan for organizing the event. She then also gave a welcome speech to the guests.

The children of the Turkish school gave a school performance of a typical Turkish wedding. A DVD of Turkey was then played while guests looked around the various tables displaying Turkish culture as well as many Turkish products. Turkish Airlines was also present.
The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended which included staff from the Australian, Venezuelan, Romanian, Bosnian, South Korean & US Embassies as well as many westerners. All in all a wonderful evening was had by all.

Kuwaiti Food Fair

The Wednesday activity for the 7^th February was the Kuwaiti Food Fair. Although we have had the Middle Eastern Food Fair several times before it was the first time to present traditional Kuwaiti dishes that you would only discover by eating lunch in a Kuwaiti house. Several volunteers made their dishes and brought them. All the recipes were available as well as samples of the ingredients were on display. When the event started at 6 p.m. a large crowd entered the duwaniya eager to sample the food which was giving off a wonderful smell. Lots of interesting questions were asked especially as virtually all the dishes were completely new to the guests. By the end of the evening about 60 – 80 people had attended. They enjoyed it so much many of them stayed to look around the center and chat with staff.

The dishes that were offered were:

Shaurabat Al-Adas

Hariss

Machboos Diyay

Jerish

Al-Marqouq

Mowash

Al-Tashribah

Baharat spices

Al-Muhallabiyya

Sabb Al-Gafsha

Baythan (Almond Drink)

Arab Travel Exhibition

AWAREs annual Arab travel Exhibition was held on Wednesday 29^th November. A total of 16 countries were represented. They were Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. On each table were books and information including visa requirements and suggested websites. The walls of the AWARE duwaniya were decorated with flags and maps. Visitors were encouraged to complete the travel quiz which not only tested their knowledge and provided learning opportunities but it also encouraged them to chat with the AWARE staff and volunteers about the various countries. Many of the visitors stated that they found the exhibition extremely useful as they plan to travel around the region whilst living in Kuwait and that this exhibition had thoroughly given them the taste for traveling around the Middle East. At 8.30 p.m. a draw was held to see who had won the travel quiz prize. Three of our guests were presented with a book each.

Eid Open House

AWAREs Eid Open House was held as usual on the 3^rd day of Eid which was on 25^th October from 3 – 7 p.m. The center had been decorated to look festive and along with the band of Kuwaiti drummers the center really was in a celebration mood. Upon arrival the visitors were greeted with Arabic coffee and traditional Kuwaiti petit fours. There were vendors selling their wares in the duwaniya. It was also the location where our visitors would try on AWAREs traditional Arabic clothing, then stand on the stage for photos to be taken. Cultural films were shown in the upstairs duwaniya while for those interested in having henna design was available in the upstairs reception area. Outside on the terrace was the buffet including a lady making Saj sandwiches which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. A Kuwaiti band performed traditional songs in and around the center to everyones delight. Many of the visitors commented that it was the first time theyd ever seen a Kuwaiti band play and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience, it certainly contributed to a festive atmosphere.

Canadian Ambassador visits

AWARE Center was honoured on the morning of August 27^th by a visit from the current Canadian Ambassador, Mr. Denis Thibault. He was accompanied by Mr Hassan Farhat, the Embassys Public Diplomacy Officer. The Ambassador expressed that he had heard a lot of good things about the AWARE Center and was therefore delighted to accept our invitation. He also stated that he felt that AWAREs purpose and mission were spot on as well as being extremely useful not only for his fellow Canadians but all the Westerners spending time in Kuwait. AWAREs General Manager, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Adsani gave a brief welcome speech which was shortly followed by the official AWARE power-point presentation. PR Iman Martin invited the Ambassador to say a few words which he most generously accepted. Among his comments after expressing his enthusiasm for AWARE he talked about the importance of understanding culture as well as how in Canada virtually everyone originates from another part of the world their origins are accepted and valued within the Canadian society. The Ambassador was presented with a gift of a golden Dhow which he very graciously accepted. Before leaving he was given a tour of the Centers facilities as well as signing the guest book whilst in the AWARE library.

Arabic Classes Graduation

Another round of AWAREs Arabic courses have finished and so the students were invited to come along to AWARE on Wednesday 15^th March for a Graduation ceremony so that they could collect their well earned certificates. This time there had been 6 classes of various levels. Four level 1 classes, one of which was held in the morning and one class each of level 2a and 2b. Several of the Arabic teachers also attended the event to help present the certificates. All our teachers are experienced and understand the difficulties many Westerners have in learning Arabic. AWARE holds courses on a regular basis so if you cant fit it into your schedule now you dont have too wait very long before the next course will begin. Our next courses begin from Saturday 18^th March so if you would like to join please call asap.

Regional Travel Exhibition 2005

A tour around the Arab world was the effect for those who attended Awares Regional Travel Exhibition on Wednesday 14^th December. As guests walked into Awares cultural room they discovered Qatar, Lebanon and Jordon. Progressing into the duwaniya they visited Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE and Yemen. Each table had free handouts for the visitors detailing information about visa requirements as well as suggested websites. There were 2 other very special booths present. The first was representing the Palestinian Culture Center which displayed a variety of handmade items for sale including bags, home furnishing and dishes. The second was the Air Arabia stand which not only had details of their flights it also had copies of their in-flight magazine and some very nice free promotional gifts including mouse mats and cd cases. For anyone who made a reservation there at the exhibition, Air Arabia were also offering a special discount.

Whilst everyone was enjoying this special tour of the Middle East they were also encouraged to participate in Awares Travel Quiz. All the answers were to be found on display at the tables and they were also welcome to ask for help from the Aware staff and volunteers. By handing in their completed quiz papers they were entered into the draw. Many of the visitors said they enjoyed doing the quiz as well as discovering some new facts. At 8.30 p.m. the draw was held. 1^st Prize of a return ticket to Sharjah with Air Arabia was won by Mr Craig Walker. 2^nd Prize of a KD20 voucher for Surra Supermarket was won by Mr Michael Wurzner and the 3^rd Prize, a book about Kuwait was won by Fatima Al-Metab.

After touring the tables guests were able to chat over tea in the bistro whilst watching a short slide show about the UAE. Many of the visitors expressed their delight and appreciation for the exhibition explaining that they were very keen to visit the other countries in the Middle east. They stated that this exhibition certainly gave them more information and ideas about where they would go. Many said they couldnt wait for their holiday to start!