August 2024 Newsletter: Celebrating Courage and Perseverance

As the 2024 Summer Olympic Games have burst into action in Paris, Qisetna proudly supports the Refugee Olympic Team – athletes who embody courage, perseverance, and hope.

Established in 2015, the refugee team highlights the strength and talent of displaced athletes. From their 10 member debut at Rio 2016, the team has grown to 37 athletes from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan.

When a refugee athlete steps up to the starting line, there’s a particular story behind them. A story that represents the reality of over 120 million people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. Competing under their own emblem on the world’s biggest stage, these athletes carry these powerful stories with them.

Celebrating Courage and Perseverance: In the Heart of the Paris 2024 Olympics

Qisetna shines a spotlight on We Dare to Dream, a compelling documentary by Waad Al-Khateab. This film follows the journey of refugee athletes as they compete for a spot in the Olympics and Paralympics, highlighting their resilience and determination. Explore the profound stories and inspiration behind this remarkable film in our latest article HERE. Follow the documentary on Instagram:@wedaretodreammovie

Qisetna at South West Fest: "Poems from the Washing Line"

As part of the vibrant South West Fest in July, Qisetna collaborated with Rawanee and Palewell Press for "Poems from the Washing Line," an enriching event held at Victoria Westminster Library. This gathering not only highlighted themes of history and postcolonialism but also showcased a lineup of international artists from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and Jewish backgrounds. These artists shared their profound narratives through poetry and song, illuminating experiences of exile and the human spirit’s resilience.

Artist and designer Lawrence Blackman reflected, "It was a unique experience that leaned into rich and complex themes."

The event underscored Qisetna’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and amplifying diverse voices through dynamic artistic collaborations. As these stories of perseverance and hope resonated, they reminded us of the transformative power of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering a more inclusive world.

Celebrating Qisetna's Volunteers:?

Spotlight on our valued Translator - Juanna Mohammed Said Anez

“Hello! I'm Juanna Mohammed Said Anez from Qamishli city in northeastern Syria. Graduating in Civil Engineering and now studying Business Administration, I'm deeply rooted in my Syrian Kurdish and Lebanese heritage which enriches my love for languages and reading."

"A year ago, I joined Qisetna through an unexpected opportunity on LinkedIn to volunteer in translating, which has become a joyful endeavour. I've worked on projects like Return to Tenderness and translated several interviews for Qisetna InFocus, deepening my appreciation for Qisetna's mission to preserve and promote Syrian culture.? Additionally, I have had the privilege of translating for Waad Al-Khateab’s project, We Dare to Dream. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, helping bridge cultural divides and empowering young people to connect with their heritage.”