Monday 29 January 2018

Hussein - Going Where Life Takes Him -

 Hussein






Hussein is a boy from Baghdad. He's from a very big family. 6 brothers and 6 sisters. And, Baghdad life, despite all the hardships, used to be fun. Family Sundays with wonderful meals, swimming, cycling, and Computer games, too and very short nights. And, of course, lots of fun friends. Hussein – a boy from Baghdad who is going where life takes him.


Tuesday 23 January 2018

Alaa

PontiNova – Alaa





Alaa grew up in Baghdad. Now he's living in Vienna. And, Baghdad Sundays were special for him. Sundays were family. Chicken soup and rice. His parents, his five brothers and sisters, and, of course, on occasions, his grandparents as well. The magic of family. Peace, good fun and family music together. And, Alaa and his friends loved football as well. A match every day after school. Alaa's heart is still in Baghdad. Baghdad is still home. Family and friends. And, the future? Who knows!


Monday 8 January 2018

Behruz

Behruz


Silver and Gold and the Fun that has Gone

It's been two years since Behruz left his native Iran. In his hometown of Bandar-Anzali, Behruz was a member of the local swimming club. And, he was good. His greatest achievements were gold and silver medals in national competitions. And now, here in Vienna, Behruz goes swimming as often as he can. But, things are different. It's his friends. They are now scattered all over the world. The fun in the pool and the being with friends are now things of a time that has gone.


When Behruz thinks back to Bandar-Anzali, it's his friends that he thinks of the most. Life is now a long way from home.



Monday 1 January 2018

Billeen and Kehlo

 Billeen and Kehlo Werin - The Sugar Festival




Billen and Kehlo are sisters. Billeen is 10 and Kehlo is 8. They come from Damascus and have been living in Vienna for just over two very short years. Both attend regular Viennese schools and are happy in Vienna. But, there is one thing they miss when thinking of home. The Sugar Festival. This takes place at the end of the summer holidays and involves every child in Damascus. Simply put, it's the day that is specially for children. Dressed in their very best clothes, the children go knocking on doors, and, because they're expected, everyone has small bags of sweets ready and waiting. No child leaves empty handed.

And, the Sugar Festival is a family occasion as well. The whole family joins in with the making and baking of homemade sweets for this special occasion. And, as every child from Damascus will happily tell you, the preparation is just as much fun as the knocking on doors. And, then, of course, there's the eating. And, this takes a very long time. At least, two or three weeks. And, this is all part of the fun.

The Sugar Festival marks the end of the summer and the start of a new year at school. And, what a sweet way to do it. The Sugar Festival. Sweet memories of home for Billen and Kehlo.