HADAYA means 'gifts' in Arabic, and that's exactly what we do.
We provide libraries for refugees in partnership with community centers and other small NGOs; we distribute soccer balls and toys (puzzles, blocks, jump ropes, etc) to refugees living in camps and group settings; and we support educational opportunities for refugee children age 2-18.
HADAYA was founded in 2014 in Asheville, North Carolina with a desire to provide relief to Syrian refugee children living in makeshift camps in the Beka’a Valley of Lebanon through creativity and play. Our first 'joy deliveries' included timeless toys, books and art supplies and took us to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey…click here for a video of that trip.
In 2018 we decided to focus on the two elements that have had the most lasting impact:
BALLS
Soccer balls promote positive interaction and teamwork,
and connect communities, young and old.
MAHA’S montessori mission supporting earthquake victims in north turkey and syria
Maha Turner of Maha’s Montessori Mission is currently raising funds for and donating food baskets to victims of the tremendous earthquake in southern Turkey and north Syria. Please consider a donation today….every little really helps!
Read more on Maha’s page HERE
Co-founder, Jennifer MacDonald talks about the inspiration behind HADAYA in her 2022 TEDx talk on ‘PLAY as a survival skill for DISPLACED YOUTH’.
Click the video to view.
Jennifer MacDonald speaking at TEDx Asheville 2022
“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand”
HADAYA is based in Asheville, North Carolina and has contributed to projects in
Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Morocco, Greece, Nepal, Nigeria, India....and counting!