Voices from the Circle

Stories from the Heart of Our Work

Every session, every smile, every moment of healing leaves a mark. On this page, you'll hear directly from the women, children, and volunteers who make up the soul of Circle of Wellbeing. These voices reveal not just the challenges they’ve faced — but the courage, connection, and transformation that happens in safe, compassionate spaces.

Gender-Based Violence Awareness Sessions

Our GBV sessions help women and girls recognize abuse, understand their rights, and build the confidence to protect themselves and their families.

  • “I didn’t know what GBV meant before. Now I understand my rights — and I feel stronger, not just for me, but for my daughters.”

  • “Now I know it’s not okay if someone touches me in a bad way — and I have the right to say no.”

  • “I used to think this was normal. Now I know it’s not.”

  • “I know where to go now if someone hurts me.”

Motherhood Reflections

From the early days of newborn care to the ongoing journey of motherhood, these sessions offer safe spaces for women to share, learn, and rediscover their strength — as caregivers and as individuals.

  • “Breastfeeding felt hard at first. After today’s session, I feel ready — and empowered to give my baby the best start.”

  • “This session made me feel heard and understood. Sharing with other mothers was comforting.”

  • “It was a beautiful space to reflect on my journey. I left feeling empowered.”

Mental Health Sessions

Our mental health sessions empower women with practical tools to manage stress, reframe challenges, and strengthen emotional wellbeing. Through grounding exercises, mindset shifts, and supportive group dialogue, participants leave feeling uplifted, connected, and more in control of their lives.

  • “Even though we were tired, it was so uplifting. The session gave us practical tools for everyday challenges.”

  • “When I’m stressed, I yell without meaning to. Today, I learned how to pause and respond with care.”

  • “I never realized how much mindset affects problem-solving. Today was a turning point.”

  • “I always think I’m not a good mother… Today I learned that doing my best is enough.”

  • “The breathing exercises helped me feel calm. I’ll try them when overwhelmed.”

  • “So much interaction and positive energy — we felt so inspired.”

  • “We all have stress — but now I know ways to manage it.”

Voices of the Children

In our Child Friendly Spaces, children can play, express themselves, and feel safe — often for the first time in a long time.

  • “I love being in the center! I can play and jump around — it makes me really happy.”

  • “I love the games here — we don’t have them at home!”

  • “It feels like my second home!”

Women’s Stories from the Center

These deeply personal reflections show what’s possible when women feel safe, supported, and seen — not just as caregivers, but as individuals.

  • “I’ve learned how to feed my baby, how to know what’s good or not… I finally feel like I’m doing it right.”

  • “I’ve learned how to understand my children better, stay calmer, and enjoy being a mom more.”

  • “I truly love everything about this center — especially the team. They make us feel heard.”

  • “Being here is the one time I truly feel like I’m doing something for myself.”

  • “These sessions bring organization to my life and fill me with happiness.”

  • “That one hour gives me peace, strength, and a reason to keep going.”

  • “When I’m here, I feel seen. Not just as a mother — but as a person.”

Volunteer Reflections

Global Solidarity, Local Impact

Our volunteers bring diverse skills and open hearts to the work. Their experiences reflect the power of connection and shared purpose.

“Every day was different, and the Circle of Wellbeing’s team was amazing, working so hard to make sure the center was a safe and relaxing space for women and children.”

I volunteered with Circle of Wellbeing for 5 months helping out in the Child Friendly Space. It was incredible being there at the beginning—getting the space ready, welcoming kids for the first time, and creating a sustainable project for local and international volunteers to continue supporting in the future. The time spent with Circle of Wellbeing was fulfilling, meaningful, and exciting.

— Michelle Reece, from Canada

“There’s always a way to be useful, and the time spent there is time well spent.”

I volunteered with Circle of Wellbeing while finishing my Bachelor's degree in International Relations. It was my second experience in the Bekaa Valley, and I was managing the social media as well as giving basic English literacy and numeracy classes. I particularly enjoyed seeing the meaningful activities running and the women's reactions to them.

— Mathilde Bandiera, from Switzerland

"It was truly an amazing experience to work with the women and their children."

I joined Circle of Wellbeing during my summer holidays, and it was truly an amazing experience. The team, the volunteers, and the Lebanese people in general are so heartwarming and kind. I was so blessed to work with both the women and their children at the center. With the women, I led sessions on back pain, training, and mindfulness/self-love activities. It was amazing to see how much it meant to the women to come to the center and focus on themselves and their wellbeing. I am so thankful I got to contribute to that. I hope to come back soon!

— Mathilde Hammer, from Denmark

“This opportunity empowers me to turn dedication into action, creating real change in the lives of others.”

"I believe that an act of kindness, a moment of understanding, or a spark of mental health support can leave an impact that lasts a lifetime.”

— Sarah Hisham Tinawy, from Lebanon