Helena Darwesh is a Human Rights Activist working with women and children in conflict zones. She is currently based in Kashmir and is involved with education and access to health service projects. She is also the founder of the Kashmir Youth Art Initiative (KYAI).
What I do:
I work as a freelance Human Rights activist, researcher, writer and photographer for numerous International and grassroots Non For Profit (NFP) organisations. I have worked in countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Kashmir, Nepal, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, Borneo, Malaysia, Spain, China, Morocco, Algeria, Mali and Mauritania.
My main research lies in documenting the atrocities faced by people, particularly in areas of conflict and post conflict. I also create programs for capacity building and empowerment, to alleviate the pressures on members of these societies and to build opportunities for access to services long term.
My interest lies in the condition and protection of women and children in these areas.
My work has encompassed various fields ranging from Human Rights, War crimes, Land Rights, Trafficking, Refugees / Asylum seekers, Migrant workers, Child / factory Labor Law Reform, Child & Community Development, Education, Civil Society, Constitution and Legal reforms, Infrastructure, Health, Women’s health, and Disaster relief to name a few.
My research into these fields, experiences, knowledge, contacts, and skill-set in program development, implementation and evaluation are then applied in various projects Internationally for established NFP’s or Grass roots local organisations. The main objective being training locals to be able to implement programs long after the AID of donors or skilled personnel has evaporated.
I think the best way to sum up what I’m passionate about is, that I love to make people smile, especially kids and youth, that’s why I started Kashmir Youth Art Initiative (KYAI).
I am presently in Northern Himalayas, near the Pakistan border, in a disputed territory known as Kashmir. Kashmir is a valley located between the Karakoram Mountains and the Pir Panjal Ranges of the Himalayas. This region has been locked in conflict since the 1940’s as powers like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China fight over Kashmir. Currently the battle is really between Pakistan and India, which have fought three wars over the region. Kashmir is a highly disputed region has almost 1 million Indian soldiers present here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_conflict
The aim of KYAI is to bring a smile to the faces of youth and children in the conflict zone and to give them an outlet to be expressive and to think of themselves for a change. Its aim is to also provide an environment to develop and enjoy the arts, make friendships, enjoy health services, therapy, sports, excursions and more.
Everything was going so well and beyond expectations; the program was a huge success, a pioneering concept, and everyone in the community was delighted. Then the devastation of the floods came 2nd September 2014 Kashmir drowned. The KYAI program was hit hard during the 2014 floods, we lost our school premises, most of our equipment and all of our local donors. Kashmir revenue was directed for rebuilding and reconstruction. Some of our staff are still building their homes and unable to commit to KYAI, the combined losses are a huge impact on us.
At present the conditions here in Kashmir are very basic, not much has been developed since the floods and structural decay is similar to most disaster zones. Straight after the floods winter set in and construction had to be stopped, the water took two months to subside here. Work on development has only resumed as of last month, the sound of hammers and saws are the sounds of a once calmer city now busy trying to rebuild itself out of disaster.
The sad decision has been made that KYAI cannot resume its summer program at present; this summer will be spent formulating our new strategic development plan and sourcing funding for sustainability of the program beyond 2016. Due to the “post flood” situation KYAI require new premises and equipment, in a city rebuilding that is a hard ask.
How I got into it:
I started by volunteering my time and skills to many organisations, particularly in Australia while I was in High School. Out of interest I researched a lot of varying topics on the conditions of women and girls in conflict and post conflict, which was Human Rights essentially.
When I started traveling as an adult alone at 18, I tracked down small grassroots NGO/NFP’s (Non Government Organsiation / Non For Profit) in the regions I was in and I organized to meet with them. I believe everyone has skills that can be shared and I would offer my skills and see if there were any factors we could collaborate on. Even if I volunteered for a few days or a week on a month long trip, it was still exposure and a learning opportunity.
It is about matching my skills with the needs of the organisation. The majority of the time there was work that I could do and if it was outside my realm I would locate a person that could provide them the correct desired set of skills. Slowly over time I developed a wide range of Social work / NGO skill sets over various fields.
Some of the Organisations that I have collaborated with:
Mama Cash, JFAO, Radio HAMSADA, OZCF, Yasanti, RMP, AMIHAN, CWMO, KWAT, J&KCSS, IGSSS, KYAI, H.E.L.P, THE KASHMIR WALLA, Global fund for women, UNDP & UNICEF, Save the Children, NED, KIOS etc
Some of the topics I have been involved in:
Human Rights, War crimes, Land Rights, Trafficking, Refugees / Asylum seekers, Migrant workers, Child / factory Labor Law Reform, Child & Community Development, Education, Civil Society, Constitution and Legal reforms, Infrastructure, Health, Women’s health, and Disaster relief
Why I do it:
As a child I traveled extensively with my family, these experiences were the catalyst in my interests about the varying conditions of people globally (particularly in conflict) and in turn Human Rights.
As a youngster, I participated in activism, and lobbying movements with my parents, who instilled a strong sense of community, national and global responsibility in us. We were raised as global citizens and ones that have been provided privilege not for self gain but for the assistance of others. “Equality for all” dad said, and “All wealth must be shared” my mother always said.
I choose this field because I always wanted to work in an environment that would be as challenging as it would be rewarding, and not monotonous, and because of my constant hunger for fulfillment, the wish to do good, to be proud of my choices and who I create myself to be.
My mission has been “To be a bridge between privilege and poverty” ©
“Your mind must be in harmony with the group mind of the community, and society you live in and your soul in a satisfying relationship with the universe”
I do this because “By sharing the living stories of others less fortunate, we allow everyone to create a relationship with the universe through progressive change”
How it makes me feel:
I want to be honest here this work is hard, very hard and challenging, common comforts are rare, it can be lonely, dangerous, hardship is second nature and the thank-yous are not always there. There are days that you are exposed to so much sadness and cruelty the heart is heavy with despair, but I am always busy, part of living in these communities means there is no “clock in clock out”. Multi tasking, time management and a I can try attitude is essential, off days for me are rare.
However I consider myself very fortunate and I am proud to be in this field, it’s a privilege and honor to help others in any way. It’s an enriching experience that has molded my personal, professional and intellectual growth, the ability to realize my own strengths and weaknesses in a constantly changing environment. Meeting people, living with communities from different walks of life, everyday is an adventure not many experience. My colleagues and communities are motivated, coordinated, committed, benevolent, compassionate, proficient and kind, I am constantly learning. The opportunities to grow and gain in this field are unparalleled, A journey full of inspiring, challenging, learning, magnificent, and gratifying moments. It has been and continues to be an enriching and rewarding journey.
I want to go to sleep without fear, knowing others are too. Remembering that I am here for a short time and will pass this way but once.
Ways that others can get involved:
- Find a cause you are passionate about
- Research the topic, the geographic region, the culture. Keep yourself informed & up to date.
- Research UN, WHO, IJM, HRW large monitoring bodies and their stance on the issue
- Research local NFP’s NGO’s that are active in the region and their stance on the issue
- If possible travel to the region experience first hand what is concerning to you (if travel is not an option search the internet)
- Write a brief about you, your passions and your skills set,
- Make contact with the organization in the region that best meets your desire to help, ask them how, when, who, what – send your brief
- Perhaps most likely there is a skill match,
- You can offer your services online – or – have an opportunity to volunteer for the organization,
- Perhaps hold a fund raiser for their programs,
- Assist them in lobbying government’s via petitions and marches.
My Goal for the developed world is:
- Celebrate how we are the same, how we have equal yearnings and are equally deserving.
KYAI requires help and accepts donations of schooling materials such as note books, arts & painting material, camera’s, medicines, clothing, blankets and cash donations.
We also welcome international volunteers to our programs here in Kashmir catering job roles to suit skills set. If Kashmir is too far, we offer the chance to offer your skills on-line and assist with administrative processes of KYAI. We always need a helping hand.
KYAI accepts arts therapy trainers, volunteers, and administration staff along with online distant volunteering, in form of web, PR and social media development.
We all welcome exposure of our projects and community needs, we accept and initiate input with proactive progress.
You can email Helena@mokshavision.org / KYAI2014@gmail.com to donate and to find out more.