Dr. Rasha Feidi grew up with parents, who raised her to value everything she had, even though she was born to a relatively well-off family in Kuwait and later moved to live in Jerusalem. There she became very close with her grandfather, who served in charities to help people all over Palestine. This has shaped how she works and views her purpose and identity in the world, as she navigates the roles of UN Goodwill Ambassador and Board Director of Saned International Organization.

Dr. Rasha’s work on multiple non-profit projects, that involved developing sustainable solutions for refugees in many parts of the world, lead her to a striking realization: education is the only weapon that can fight hunger, poverty and terrorism.

With her extensive background in assisting and supporting charity organizations, Feidi was invited to visit CR HOPE’s first photo exhibition at Café de la Paix earlier this year, where she met the team and had a chance to learn about their vision. “I’m trying to support them through my connections and my network because I believe in CR HOPE’s message and vision, which aligns to my view of education being an essential component of a prosperous life.”

Dr. Rasha even had a chance to visit Zanzibar last month with the CR HOPE team on a volunteer trip to the village of Kizimkazi. “I was able to see the reality of poverty, and how we can all easily make a difference. I was amazed by how generous the Zanzibar people were, and by their undying perseverance for life. Although we were only a small group of people, it was evident how much hope we brought to everyone we met.” Feidi is also excited about how journeys like these can encourage and inspire younger children, seeing the enthusiasm from her 14-year-old daughter, who joined her on this trip.

Dr. Rasha applauded the maturity shown by a young boy she met when she was there, speaking of how he had to drop out of school in order to take care of his siblings and family. Despite how desperate this sounds, she deems this to be a sign of immense maturity and sacrifice. “My greatest passion is helping others and receiving that sense of joy when I look at their happy faces. I can honestly say that going to Zanzibar was the best decision. These children are so full of happiness and have a thirst for knowledge. They are brought up with nothing and yet contain so much kindness and selflessness.”

What excites her the most about partnering with CR HOPE ? “The youth spirit! The dedication and the passion that Renos has to complete the school and to give these children better chances in life through education.”