Nousha Kabawat

Founder of Syrian Project Amal ou Salam

With the Syrian conflict at the forefront of our news and heavy in our hearts, this year we honor Nousha Kabawat, a Syrian-Canadian who founded Project Amal ou Salam (Hope and Peace), a grassroots organization that is dedicated to empowering Syrian refugee children and helping them to shape a better future.

On our Euphrates trip to the Middle East in September 2016, we had the opportunity to spend a day with Nousha at Project Amal ou Salam’s school in Jerash, Jordan. It was incredible to see Nousha’s leadership and energy in action, as well as her commitment to the school’s staff and students. We were deeply inspired by the light and hope the kids expressed as they told us about their ambitions, played games and sang songs with us.

“I couldn’t be more proud to be this year’s Euphrates Visionary and share the work we do to give back to the most vulnerable victims of the Syrian conflict--Syrian refugee children. These kids are the future of Syria. They inspire me and give me hope every day.”

Rather than seeing Syrian children as a lost generation, she started Project Amal ou Salam in 2013 as a way to inspire hope and to help them rebuild their country. The organization runs workshops at schools in neighboring countries of refuge—Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. These programs are designed to go beyond offering physical aid to refugee children by addressing their emotional needs as well. As Leaderise Journal writes,

“By helping Syria’s next generation cope with [the] trauma and tragedy of war, Nousha is committed to helping them become strong, capable and productive members of society, ready to rebuild their country.”

impact of Project amal ou salam

So far, her workshops have reached more than 6,000 children in the region. Over 100 Amal ou Salam ambassadors have joined the effort from around the world and they work strictly as volunteers so that all proceeds can go directly towards the kids and their activities. The team of volunteers works to instill values of non-violence and pluralism through the creative arts, sports, and music. By teaching respect for diversityand acting as a positive influence in the lives of Syrian youth, Project Amal ou Salam represents the antithesis of terrorist groups and the fear they contribute to society. 

We are immensely grateful to Nousha for the light she is bringing to the darkness and tragedy of the Syrian refugee crisis, and we couldn’t imagine a more deserving individual for our 2016 Visionary award. Nousha’s selfless service, combined with her contagious energy and passion, makes her an incredible leader in her home country and the surrounding region. Her unstoppable approach is a powerful example to all who share a vision of peace in the Middle East.

To learn more about Nousha and her inspiring story, read this BBC article about “Syria’s next generation.” Be sure to check out the Project Amal ou Salam website and Facebook page!