Project 2025-6
Our project for 2025/6 starts in October 2025. It is supporting the charity called …
The AWARENESS FOUNDATION
The Awareness Foundation is a Christian charity set up in the UK for the purposes of peace-building in the Middle East. It was established in 2003 by Rev Dr Nadim Nassar, a Syrian-born Anglican priest who travels extensively to encourage enlightened dialogue among peoples from different faiths. Many of us will remember Nadim preaching at Solihull on a couple of occasions, once at a Maundy Thursday evening service.
The Awareness Foundation is ecumenical and its board members include representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist Churches, the Greek Orthodox Church, and several evangelical churches.
Regarding its work in the Middle East, the Foundation has two main missions: to build up understanding between the East and the West
, and to strengthen and sustain Christians
in the region.
The main programmes of the Awareness Foundation are: Little Heroes; Awareness Pioneers; Ambassadors for Peace; and Enterprising Women.
Created by expert educators and councillors for children aged 6-12, Little Heroes offers a range of therapeutic teaching, play, art, music, and sports activities alongside help and support tailored to individual needs. So far, it has helped over 2,000 displaced children in Syria. It is designed to help children recover from trauma, forge new friendships, celebrate diversity, and build confidence through discovering new skills and talents. Those leaving the programme do so with a renewed hope for the future. Children from all faiths and cultures take part in all the activities and their friends and families recognise the opportunity to mix with youngsters from other communities in a safe environment of trust and respect.
Supporting teenagers in the Middle East is vital and in response to calls from religious and community leaders in the region, Awareness Pioneers is aiming to help teenagers rebuild their lives and relationships, and face their personal anxieties and traumas, by engaging with a range of activities. It is striving to foster their sense of well-being, enabling them to find their place in the world and help to rebuild a broken society.
Ambassadors for Peace is an ecumenical educational programme for young Middle Eastern men and women, enabling them to build bridges of mutual respect and understanding in their diverse communities. The Foundation has already taught over 700 young people to be leaders. An essential element of this work is to introduce advocacy and to enable the young people to develop their own peace-building projects.
Enterprising Women is a scheme supporting women in their onward journey to self-sufficiency and financial independence. The aim is that they will become beacons of hope and peacebuilders, and play a crucial role in the economic development of their communities. Participants are brought together with established businesswomen, project collaborators and official representatives to create a mutually beneficial network of inspiring women.
More information about the Awareness Foundation is available via their web-site.