From the angels of Step Together Association with love

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PhotographerMansour Dib Tel: 961 3 321036

Graphic DesignerGraphicShop Tel: 961 1 745779961 1 745780www.graphicshoplb.com

03 Group Effort: March for Peace04 Positivity and Open Mindedness06 A Note of Gratitude 09 Giving and Sharing10 Farming and Gardening11 Meditation Exercises12 Sports and Special Olympics14 Fundraising Events15 Different Kinds of Art22 Working Adults with Special Needs26 Integrating Into Society 28 A New Kind of Therapy 30 How Can I help

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PEACE AT STEP TOGETHEr ASSOCIATION IS NOT ONly A bElIEF, buT A WAy OF lIFE AS WEll; yET CAN ONE Truly ExPErIENCE PEACE IN A COuNTry SHATTErED by WAr, ExPlOSIONS, DISTrACTION, AND, ANxIETy?

In the midst of the chaos that had besieged this country 27 years ago, our young adults and grownups with special needs took a big step forward in face of the senseless destruction. They participated in the 1987 March for Peace, they marched through barricades and demarcation lines from Tripoli to Sidon and back again; silencing the gunfire and bombardments with their peaceful footsteps. It was the first peace walk of many to follow.

The war went on but so did the marches. In 2001 Step Together Association- FiSTA beirut organized the second March for Peace where hundreds of students with special needs marched from Nejmeh Square to the Martyrs Square. They lit the sky with their candles and their angelic voices singing for peace, love and tranquility for all filled the air. In 2003 another Peace March was organized, our special needs students were the leaders, standing tall around the Christmas tree in the middle of the Martyrs’ Square. They raised their voices singing for all humanity, defying all odds, setting white pigeons free into the air.

We, at Step Together Association do not only believe in Peace, but we actually live it in every way. We are blessed that our center is in the midst of nature where, beautiful trees, flowers, and animals, enable our students, teachers, and all those who venture within to get the feeling of inner peace. We have faith that we can live in a world of destruction and violence yet still be at peace.

We strongly believe that the role of our teachers is to make a difference in the classroom. This is easily established through giving the students a feeling of tranquility and love i.e. inner peace. The classrooms and workshops are a haven full of acceptance and serenity. These are the basis of our educational principles.

Dr. Wali MerhejCommittee President

Group Effort:March for Peace

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the appropriate path of their work is followed through a non-judgmental positive attitude towards special needs. Another equally important lesson is that positivity is needed to discover the hidden beauty in everything they do and everyone they meet. At Step Together Association, we emphasize the importance of deep observation, in order to fully understand the essence of the given tasks. Teachers need courage and inner strength to gain self-confidence in order to change the world around them.

I ask you dear friends to try to concentrate on positive thoughts and to learn more about yourselves by repeating Goethe’s famous words:

lIvE WITH POSITIvITy AND OPEN MINDEDNESS

Positivity is the main criteria for human continuous development. This however, does not mean that we pay less attention to our critical faculties or that we do not observe the negativities. There should be a clear understanding that what is bad, ugly, and chaotic should not stand in our way for finding the true, the good, and the beautiful.

In Step Together Association, we teach students, teachers, and parents to be positive and affirmative in seeking out the good and useful aspects in everything around them. We are aware that challenging circumstances sometimes prevent us from being positive; however, we need to learn to be patient and open-minded. It is important to go deeper in self-observation and learn about ourselves because once we have reached an improved consciousness, we will find inner peace and can overcome all the challenges.

This year, in our Teacher Training Program we started reading one of rudolf Steiner’s basic books “How to Know Higher Worlds". Teachers discovered that anyone could become a student of higher knowledge. They have learnt that

“I have come to the frightening conclusionthat I am the decisive elementIt is my personal approach that makes the weatherI possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyousI can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspirationI can humiliate or humor, hurt or healin all situations , it is my response that decideswhether a crisis is escalated or de-escalatedand a person is humanized or de-humanized”

So, I call on each and everyone to be positive ...

Dr. Reem Mouawad

Positivity and Open Mindedness

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To our benefactors, gratitude from the heart of every one at Step Together Association. We are touched by your generosity and honored by your friendship.

(In Alphabetical Order):

Al Mulla, Anwar and Fatouma Al Zabin

rabbat, bassel & Ghida

Safa, Mona

Smadi, Abdul Wahab & rim

The Ajyalouna Association and Pepsico

Mr. Mansour Dib of Dib Photography

Mr. bassel Al Ghoush, Manager of Marouch london

Mr. & Mrs. Kamel Kabbani of The GraphicShop and their

wonderful team.

Mrs. lina Kalo, chairperson of Give a Child a Toy

The lebanese Food bank Association

To all our supporters, and silent donors, we say your humanity has given “A Soul to the Universe, Wings to the Mind, Flight to the Imagination and Life to Everything.”

Ruby Basheer

Everlasting gratitude and appreciation to our dedicated Committee and Subcommittee Members, whose hearts are of priceless gold, and spirits of boundless love.

(In Alphabetical Order):

Abou Ghazaleh, Chadia

Assaf, Imane

Assaf, Mona Me.

barhoum, Hind

bashour, rania

bassil, Marie Simone

bekhazi, Carla

Darwish, Hind

Freij, Odette

Ftouni, Jamal Dr.

Ghsoub, Mona Dr.

Hamra, Dawsar

Haykal, rula

Khalifeh, Mirna

Khartabil, Samia

Kilany, Taghride

loughman, Mia

Majdalani, lorna

Majed, viviane

Maktabi, Nivine

Matta, Denise

Mattar, Madeleine

Merhi, lina

Mikhael, Amale

Naamani, Samar

Nakhleh, Hala

Nashabeh, leila

Salame, Tania

A Note of Gratitude

“Deeds of love are not deeds that look for compensation.”

For “Love is the moral sun of the

world.”

R. Steiner

A NOTE OF GrATITuDE TO COMMITTEE MEMbErS, SuPPOrTErS AND DONOrS:

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A Note of Gratitude

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THE ExPErIENCES OF INTErNATIONAl vOluNTEErS AND vISITOrS

confidence. Another activity we shared and enjoyed was singing. We learned Arabic songs and sang along with the students in other languages as well. An activity everyone joined in even the shyest students.

During the afternoons and in the evenings we enjoyed participating in the residential team’s story telling sessions and outdoor activities. We were both touched with the atmosphere of peace that is felt everywhere at Step Together Association. A place that embraces its students with love, guides them with compassion and sets them forth with determination.

We would like to thank all the staff, teachers, and students for making our 3 weeks a time to remember for years and years to come. It was really hard for us to say good bye.

Marjatta and Julia

International volunteers

"Step Together Association is a place that embraces its students with love , guides them with compassion and sets them forth with determination"

Marjatta & Julia

We, Marjatta and Julia, students of a Waldorf college in Mannheim came to Step Together Association for a 3-week volunteering internship in March 2014. During our short time here, we assisted the teachers in their classrooms, and took part in the students’ everyday activities. We went on nature walks, played games, and shared their meals and their daily routines. However, our most wonderful activity was painting together the big Wall in the playground. The theme was The blue Ocean. It made the playground look more serene, which reflected positively on the students. We also attempted to climb the Wall, an activity that gave the students self-

International visitors

I have been giving Eurythmy lessons for many years, and 2014 granted me my 12th visit to Step Together Association, and rewarded me with an impressive milestone and an utmost satisfaction. The self-confidence the teachers have adopted with their willingness and perseverance, merged their expertise with their experience, leading them to further success and excellence. I take the opportunity to extend my gratitude to Ms. Monika for her determination and her persistent training; the same to Mr. Mohammad Zakaria for his constructive lessons.

Eurythmist are urged to apply what they have learned to experience the benefits of Eurythmy. It is my joy to say: shokran katheeran for welcoming me over the years and for giving me the opportunity to teach and learn; but most of all for accepting me as a member of Step Together Association in lebanon.

Almut Gulba

Giving and Sharing

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useful and unconditionally accepted. Even though sowing, planting, and taking care of animals are challenging and hard work yet, the students feel equally accepted and respected as individuals.

Farming is progressively becoming a popular opportunity for students with special needs. As we strive to develop our means and progress our knowledge, Step Together Association has joined hands with bioland in a partnership that will benefit our students. bioland is not only an organic farm; but it also embraces a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy city life. A schedule of 2 visits per month is set for the students in the vocational Program. Those visits cover activities in different fields; preparing the land for farming, planting of seeds, feeding the animals, harvesting and learning healthy eating habits. The benefits do not end up at this stage, they link up to further and various positive results:

• Comfortandtranquility,smoothattitudeandrapidadaptation to the farming environment.

• Fitnessandbalance,strength&endurance,anda

healthy body. • Aconnectionwiththesensesrelatedtosight,

sound, smell and touch. • Emotionaldevelopment;liftingupthespirits,

providing inner peace, and self-satisfaction. • Expansionofknowledgeofthenecessaryfunctional

skills such as: identifying, reading, measuring and counting.

In short, gardening has proven to be a great foundation for self-confidence and self-esteem.

Rana Sawaya

buIlDING SElF ESTEEM THrOuGH GArDENING AND FArMING

We constantly believe in the importance of nature. Nature inspires wisdom, inner peace, and serenity. For this reason, gardening has become, amongst other curriculum activities one of the essential therapeutic workshops within Step Together Association (FiSTA beirut).

Working in farming especially with animals is soothing and therapeutic; our students with special needs feel

Farming and Gardening

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Meditation Exercises

FENG SHuI

Feng Shui is an art form to some and science to others. It has long been used in China to help humans live in harmony with their environment. It harnesses the beneficial energies that surround us, which in turn, maximizes the opportunities for happiness, abundance and contentment.

Mr. Aoun Abi Aoun first introduced Feng Shui to Step together Association in May 2013 when a three day seminar was held at our association, aiming to bring more healing, light and beauty to Step Together community.

Mr. Aoun provided our team with creative ideas explaining the impact of different forces that can enrich

our environment with an energetic and peaceful spirit. Forces, which include the colors that we use to paint the walls or decorate our classrooms and the way we arrange the furniture.

Following the training sessions, some of the techniques introduced by Mr. Aoun were applied; and the staff could sense the influence these changes had on the general atmosphere in the classrooms. The students felt more relaxed and the teachers sensed a true feeling of inner peace.

Step Together Community would like to thank Mr. Aoun for his valuable input and continuous support.

Abeer Hammoud

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SPECIAl OlyMPICS- bASKETbAll

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 was a very special day for Step Together Association. Eight students accompanied by their teachers and friends, participated in a Special Olympics basketball game at the Fouad Chehab Stadium – in Jounieh. They competed against students from five other special needs schools. Our students played well, demonstrated great sportsmanship spirit and won the Silver Medals. The coach, Mr. Kamal Daou, was very proud of the students’ performance and achievement. Our congratulations to Step Together Association’s team; and high hopes for future inspiring performances, and valuable medals.

Sandra Rouhana

Sports and Special Olympics

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لقد أجمع األطباء وأخصائي التغذية يف العامل أن نصف ساعة من الرياضة يوميًا

تغني عن الدواء وتبعد األمراض.بناًء على هذا أنا، مدرب الرتبية الرياضية

Step Together Association يفأركز وأشدد على أهمية ممارسة الرياضة

جلميع الطالب، كل حسب قدراته. من هذا املنطلق، ترتكز الرتبية الرياضية يف مدرسة

Step Together Association على:

• حتليل امناط الشخصية لكل تلميذ قبل البدء بأي نشاط رياضي.• متارين لياقة بدنية وليونة وقوة حتمل وتنفس.

• متارين توازن للوصول اىل توافق عضلي وعصبي جيد.• متارين اإلعتماد على النفس ومعرفة الذات.

• متارين تعلم اتباع املعلومات بتسلسل.• تأمني احمليط املناسب الذي ُيشعر التلميذ باإلنتماء أثناء التمارين

واأللعاب. • مشاركة التلميذ باأللعاب اجلماعية تبعده عن اإلنطواء و ُتأمن له اإلنفتاح كي يوجه طاقاته اىل العامل اخلارجي ويستمتع بالنشاطات

اإلجتماعية واجلماعية.

إن فلسفة شتايرن ترتكز ليس فقط على قدرات الطالب النفسية والذهنية واإلجتماعية، بل على التطور اجلسدي الذي يؤمن حياة صحية

تساعده على التطور.

كمال ضو

الرتبية الرياضية

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Fundraising Events

FuNDrAISING EvENTS: CrAZy, WIlD, AND FuN All FOr A GOOD CAuSE

london Events

A group of ladies from the committee went to london to take part in the Annual Fundraising Events (Give a Child a Toy, Maroush, and AMAr) as well as to visit different schools.

It was 10 days of hard work, fundraising, and learning. The stress did not stop the group from making the best of their trip. It was a lot of work, lots of laughter and most important a successful trip. We are full of gratitude for the continuous opportunities that is given to us by Mrs. lina Kalo and her team at Give a Child a Toy, Mr. bassel Al Ghoush – Maroush london, and to all members of AMAr association. looking forward to Nov-Dec 2014.

Open Houses

It has become a tradition for Mrs. Assaf to have an open house at Christmas time. It is now a joint honor to have Mrs. Tania Salame opening her own house for the second year for the same honorable cause. An event all their friends eagerly wait for every year; where they select beautiful art work; made in the pottery, and

jewelry workshops and delicious bakery goodies. It was a healthy, pleasant competition between the two ladies and a very fruitful and blessed event for Step Together Association and its students. Gratitude and appreciation to all and look forward to more such great events.

The SKybAr event

70's night AbbA and bee Gees dancing, singing going wild that was the title of the night at SKybAr Step together Association's event. Special thanks goes to Mr. Al-Khazen and his team at SKybAr, our sponsors: Al-rifai Nuts, E.A.M/Domaine des Tourelles, Mr. Sannouh/Pepsi International, Mr. Michel El Kouz/red bull, Diageo and Neo Gourmet Cuisine for their generous support. Through entertainment and fun we hope we were able to bring more awareness to the younger generations about people with special needs. looking forward to SKybAr 2014.

Imane AssafCommittee Member

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Through developing the

painting techniques in three steps, the children also

go through a process of self-development, which is unconscious

but can be observed by teachers.

We believe that every person is an artist and should be given the chance to explore his/her artistic potential. Artists are not those who can draw or paint accurately but those who are totally engaged in the activity.

The highlight of this project was the Art Exhibition that was held at Art Circle in Hamra under the title "I love colors" because the soul of the human being is the place of all colors, and we are all different individuals with different attitudes in our relationship with the world. I love colors because I love myself. Painting is working with one’s own soul through imagination; it is a process towards self-love.

Sandra Rouhana

ArT ExHIbITION INITIATED by NICHOlAS bECK FrOM bElGIuM

Just like any Waldorf School, Step Together Association emphasizes greatly on Art as a major teaching tool. Art is a method to help students with special needs to express themselves when they struggle to do it verbally.

unfortunately, the educational system in some schools does not allow the students to be creative thinkers, because it is mainly based on the mere concept of memorization. Students are not given the chance to think beyond what is written in textbooks or taught by the teachers.

Art creates a space where we educate our “thinking, feeling, and will “. It is the only place where we are given the chance to exercise our freedom. Art makes us creative critical thinkers, able to come up with solutions to everything. It combines our thinking and doing.

With this idea in mind, Nicolas beck came to Step Together Association in November 2013 to start a painting project. Prior to this, Nicholas held a training program at school for both the teachers and the students, focusing on different targets:

•Forstudentswithspecialneeds,workingwithdarkand light colors open up a space on the paper, which reflects the space that opens up in the soul of the human being. It is the space where freedom and imagination are at work.

•Fortheteachers,itisthroughthebackgroundpaintedby students that teachers can discover spaces for imagination and exploration. This way they can be active in their own imagination.

Different kinds of Art

"Artists are not those who can draw or paint accurately

but those who are totally engaged in the activity "

Nicholas Beck

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هو احد الوسائل السبعة الفنية التي نتبعها كعالج للتلميذ، كونه يعمل على التوازن للوصول

اىل السالم الداخلي.

للرسم حصته يف التطور، من هنا بدأ االستاذ نيكوالس بيك بفكرة تأسيس ناد للفن يساعد على منو اداء التلميذ الفني والنفسي بحسب عمرهم الزمني ال

الفكري.كونه يتبع النمو اجلسدي ال العقلي، لينمي الروح ويعاجلها وينظم االيقاع.

بدأ نيكوالس اسلوب عالجي حديث ،متيز بكسر التقاليد وبهدم اجلدران التي تقيد االبداع الداخلي.

أدى اىل اظهار إبداع التالميذ عرب لوحات جميلة اخآذة خلقت فيهم روح جديدة . Art Circle Exhibition فنية وحرة مت عرضها يف

زينة ناصر

الرسمباأللوان

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POTTEry & JEWElry WOrKSHOPS

Step together Association has taught and trained students in its different workshops to help them step forward with confidence, and self-esteem. This is very important especially in a society that has for decades, been turning a deaf ear and ignoring their rights and abilities. For the past two years, Pottery & Jewelry workshops have been the pioneer activities linked to therapeutic work, it also helped to promote the quality of our products to much higher standards.

The Pottery Workshop

Pottery is a valuable therapeutic activity because it develops the students‘confidence and improves their concentration. It inspires calmness, serenity, and wisdom. by encouraging the students to use their hands for functional purposes, they work enthusiastically to develop their sense of touch and their fine motor skills. An endless expression of contentment is witnessed at different stages of their work, as they say: “It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s heavy, it’s light”…. In addition to the creation part, the students develop some creative shapes, realizing that their hands have effectively transformed the

“The basis of artistic creation is not what is, but what might be; not the real, but the possible. Artists create according to the same principles as nature, but they apply them to individual entities. While Nature, to use a Goethean expression, thinks nothing of individual things. She is always building and destroying, because she wants to achieve perfection, not in the individual thing, but in the whole.”

Rudolf Steiner

Different Kinds of Art

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BBAC Corporate A4.pdf 1 4/17/13 4:46 PM

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clay into a defined shape, converting the abstract into a real object. Their successful production brings utmost satisfaction to us all. Pottery making can also be a helpful means for creating friendship, improving communication skills, as well as appreciating other people.

The Jewelry Workshop

Jewelry making is a craft that requires the engagement of the students’ will. It teaches them patience, determination, and persistence; qualities which pupils with special needs often find difficulty in acquiring. In his workshop, each student is granted similar materials and tools, and set free to design a piece of art reflecting taste, distinctiveness, and talent. The involvement of different temperatures, the hard and cold material tamed by fire makes jewelry making an attractive craft that brings exclusivity to their concept with some magic to every creation.

In this workshop students develop emotionally and intellectually, as they get involved in the creation of a jewelry item.

Samar Boulous

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training. After graduation, they go into full employment in the association according to their individual capacity. Part of their job is presenting a weekly report of their tasks, problems faced and areas of development. Occasionally, the team is required to go on outdoor visits within the society to stimulate their social approach and facilitate their integration. Constant follow up on their functional academic skills through practices related to money management and literacy is maintained as part of the program.

Our vocational team of experts is always available to assist the students and help them improve their performance. Wages are paid as a form of appreciation. Our goal is to have everyone on our payroll. Hopefully, someday we will be able to provide them with a full employment package.

year after year and forever more Step Together Association continues to expand in the interest of our loving children. No person ever chooses to live with disability, and the students who knock at our door become themselves a young generation ready to connect with the entire community. Sadly, they face many barriers trying to participate in all aspects of the society. Step Together Association has therefore created job opportunities within the school compound to empower their rights and dignity. It is our pride and joy to witness the success of those students who are now working within our establishment. They are treated like any other employee with their own assigned jobs, guidelines, commitments, and regular weekly meetings. Currently we have a total of 17 grown-up students employed in our association.

Our vocational program is divided into a four-year program. The vocational students are taught and tested on new skills in the various workshops. In the final year, they have to select one workshop for a full year

Working Adults with Special Needs

THE WOrKING TEAM: Our PrIDE

“Accept the children with

reverence, educate them with love,

send them forth in freedom.”

R. Steiner

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Working Adults with Special Needs

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Despite the challenges that we continue to confront, we shall never give up our cause, which we strongly believe in:

"We all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we believe.”Louisa May Alcott

The job positions that are being filled by our students are mostly: teachers’ assistants (both, in the early intervention & academic sections), workshops’ assistants (pottery, felt, candle, jewelry, bakery, & Mosaic), clerk within the administration department, and support during sports education and in particular the horseback riding activity.

“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.”

Martina Navratilov

One of our successful students is now commuting twice a week to “bioland “an organic café & market. She helps in a diversity of tasks; this is helping her to become more independent. We strive to break down the barriers and to empower our people to live a normal ordinary life. We remain engaged in finding additional job opportunities, outside our association. We do believe that the entire community does benefit through our young and special generation that bears endless talents and abilities.

Rana Sawaya

“A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.”

R. Steiner

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rEADING COMPETITION

SCHOOlS vISITING AND SuPPOrTING STEP TOGETHEr ASSOCIATION

It was a big challenge for our students with learning disabilities to participate in the reading Competition organized by the lebanese board on books for young People- lbby. The competition lasted from October 2013 to April 2014. The aim of this competition was to increase the students’ reading speed and expand their vocabulary repertoire, yet it kindled their love of reading as well. They devoted numerous hours at home and in school reading books. In March of this year, the three best readers were selected: 1st place: Ali yamani, 2nd place: Mohamed Chatila, and 3rd place: Khalil Kreidiye. Each of these

A glimpse of the IC visit to FiSTA- Step Together Association best described by Mrs Reem Haddad (editor, writer of IC newsletter)

A touching encounter

Their shock was quiet obvious as the fourth graders first walked into the beautiful FiSTA campus nestled in the Mansourieh woods. Some even got scared and clung on the teacher’s hand. Seeing this, Reem Mouawad the school principal shepherded the kids into the school's buildings. Here, IC students were able to watch and join in as mentally "challenged” students worked in pottery, candle, and glassmaking workshops. Lumps of clay were given out to the fourth graders as they were urged to sit around the table.

As the IC students pounded the clay FiSTA students eyed them with curiosity, " I am Maria " cried out a FiSTA student

Integrating Into the Society

students had read up to 20 books. This would not have been possible without the efforts of their teacher, and the encouragement of their parents. The three winners were awarded prizes in a ceremony held for that purpose, at uNESCO Palace on Saturday April 12, 2014. This was the first reading competition the students had participated in, but it will definitely not be the last. It is definitely full proof, once you set your on mind accomplishing something you can overcome any challenge.

Sandra Rouhana

of about 16 who was sitting across the table from an IC girl. "what's your name?" the fourth grader Maria Bassil, 9 , hesitated. "My name is Maria too" she answered.

"Really like me '" squealed the FiSTA student” I want to be Maria Montana. I like Hannah Montana. Write Robby for me on this paper. I like Robby."

The other IC students smiled, there was nothing really scary about these FiSTA students, the two smiled at each other. “I love you" cried out FiSTA's Maria.Without a hint of hesitation this time, IC's Maria promptly answered back: "I love you too".

In other workshops and around the campus, FiSTA's students were trying to meet these young newcomers. There was Omar, a teenager who wanted a chocolate bar, IC students quickly obliged. There was Ali, a 20 something year old man, who couldn't speak but was

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بهذه الكلمات يبدأ طالب القسم املهني يومهم إميانا منهم بقدرتهم على التعلم والتطورملستقبل أفضل

لتقدمي إنتاج ذو نوعية جيدة .

مشاغل يف حتضرياملنتوجات يف الطالب يشارك الصوف، الطني، واجملوهرات، اخلرز اخملبز، املدرسة: املوزاييك، القش، الشمع، الزراعة، اخلياطة، النسيج،

حتضري الدفاتر.

تأهل هذه املشاغل الطالب على اإللتزام والوفاء الستمرارية وإنتاجية أفضل، ذلك ألنهم يسعون بجهد

إلثبات قدراتهم على اإلنتاج. وكحق من حقوقهم كاي شخص يف اجملتمع، له القدرة على الرتكيزواإلنتاج.

وإميانا منها بقدراتهم تسعى اجلمعية إىل تسويق انتاج هذه املشاغل من خالل املشاركة يف املعارض

السنوية املتنوعة التي من أهدافها اطالع اجملتمع على منتوجات اجلمعية وإثبات قدرة ذوي اإلحتياجات اخلاصة و اهمية أندماجهم يف اجملتمع، األمرالذي

يعززثقتهم بأنفسهم،ويرفع من معنوياتهم،ويتيح لهم الفرصة للتواصل املباشرمع اآلخرين .

وقام تالمذة املدرسة بحملة قرب مركزها يف الديشونية بعنوان: I Can Be Productive هدفها

توعية اجملتمع على تقبل ذوي اإلحتياجات اخلاصة كعناصر منتجة يف اجملتمع.

سمر بولس

"ساكون نشيطا حتى لو كان الكل خامال سأتطور وأنتج وأعمل حتى لو مل يجتهد اآلخرون وبقوة أخالقي وإرادتي سأساعد كل إنسان"

making all kinds of gestures to be understood, there was Rami, a shy looking 21 year old, who won several medals in horseback riding at the Special Olympics. As the time passed, the four graders began to look more at ease as some gave high five to passing FiSTA students. “the best way to help them" explained Mouawad " is to talk to them normally. Treat them normally. Respect them."

As part of their PYP (primary years program) theme "how we organize ourselves", the 4th graders were on a field trip to see for themselves, the part NGOs play in society. Other 4th grade sections were visiting other

NGO’s in the city .For most of the fourth graders, this was the first time meeting this unseen branch of society members. It was a rather touching encounter...“

A special thank you to 4eme D students at Collège Protestant Français, and the P.P.F.l. Members for their generous donation that furnished our Pottery Workshop with the well needed Electric Wheel.

Equal appreciation goes to Collège louise Wegmann’s 8th Grade Students for organizing a bake Sale in support of Step Together Association Therapy Program.

I Can Be Productive Campaign

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THE PEACEFul MAGIC OF HIPPO-THErAPy

Hippo-therapy is not just riding a horse, nor is it only horse therapy; it is a combination of working holistically on physical, mental, occupational, and communication skills. When a trained therapist and horse team up, therapy goals are reached faster.

Hippo-therapy has proven to be as effective as traditional therapies if not more; horses have a unique ability to motivate children and encourage them on trying new things. When Hippo-therapy and therapeutic riding co-exist, the four-legged friend offers the most effective therapy for many special need individuals of all age.

Animals at Step Together Association have been part of our large family since the beginning as part of our therapeutic program. They have brought out the best in our students helping them in ways that would have been difficult otherwise. Our students are very enthusiastic about their Hippo-therapy sessions, that have clearly improved their sensory integration and neuromuscular functions. We believe that help and healing comes in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Horses are one of those. They are giant co-therapists with compassionate hearts.

Ruby Basheer

A New Kind of Therapy

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A vOICE THAT SAyS IT All

With constant busy lives, it only gets harder to find time for volunteering purposes. Nevertheless, the benefits of volunteering are enormous and ever rewarding to us as individuals, to Step Together Association in particular and to our entire community. One of the most gratifying benefits is the impact on the society, bearing in mind that charity associations are often the glue that holds a community together in hope of making it a better place. by doing good for others, we acquire a natural sense of accomplishment, more so, a sense of satisfaction and identity.

Helping others kindles happiness, in fact, it’s been demonstrated by different researchers that the more people gave with no return, the happier they were, in comparison to people who had never adopted the concept of sharing. When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements. Step Together Association is an ideal address to experience a new flavor of sheer bliss.

We all know that charities receive their funding from multiple sources. Sadly, in a country where basic human rights are hardly met, the majority of contributions come from individuals. Although N.G.O.s are funded by the government, the funds are still insufficient when compared to the cost of the services offered.

Despite all the challenges encountered frequently, Step Together Association avoids cutting back on their services. We strive for new alternatives and we keep room for optimism. Ironically, budget deficits outcome, often stimulates us further to find innovative and

creative inspiration to raise funds and operate better our association.

For many years, Step Together Association amongst others has been working hard to solve the problems within our community. At a quick glance, we educate and care for the special need individuals aiming at long-term benefit that will help them become active members of the society and prevents them from being cast aside and ignored.

People with special needs are just like us in almost every respect, not less justified

in asserting their rights to live a normal ordinary everyday life. They face

many barriers to participate in all aspects of the society. These barriers if broken down, special people if well empowered, the entire community benefits. yet serious problems persist and the lack of vision elsewhere continues.

For this reason, we need to remain committed and active in helping to

achieve a better future.

As a member to rudolf Steiner School and with the continuous growth witnessed, Step

Together Association has embellished our lebanon with pride and joy. It is a cause deeply important and emotionally powerful for me. Together, please let us remain engaged; let us build for today and for tomorrow. Duty, morality, and high-minded principles remain Step Together Association’s top commitments.

Mia LoughmanCommittee Member

How Can I Help

"The more people gave with no

return, the happier they were, in comparison to people

who had never adopted the concept of sharing"

Mia Loughman

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Financial chart For the year 2013 - 2014

Fundraising

Scholarship

Donation

Private

Ministry

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you

help them become what they are capable

of being.”

Goethe, philosopher

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GIFTS FROM THE HEART

For donations or scholarships:

Audi Bank Account Name: First Step Together AssociationAccount Number: 117655 – 13IBAN: LB92 005600011765546100206913

FiSTA - Step Together AssociationTel. +961 4 401255 or +961 4 401237 Fax +961 4 401189 Daishounieh, lebanon

www.fistabeirut.org, info@fistabeirut.org

your contribution to any of the below program

will definitely offer a student a chance for a better

future:

• Full Sponsorship: Tuition & Therapy (6,500$) for a

very needy non-paying student.

• Complimentary Sponsorship: Tuition & Therapy

(4000$) for partially paying needy students.

• Opened Donation: ----------

• Special Donation: -------------

“I give best when I give from that deeper place; when I give simply, freely and

generously, and sometimes for no particular reason. I give best when I give from my

heart.”

Steve Goodier

you may choose to:

• Be a Buddy: 100$-1000$

• Be a Big Brother/Sister 1500$ - 2000$

• Be a Benefactor: 3000$

“Reverence, enthusiasm, and a sense of guardianship, these three are actually the

panacea, the magical remedy, in the soul of the educator and teacher.”

R. Steiner

beirut

FiSTA riverside SchoolDaishounieh-Mansourieh

From our workshops with love