Mahmoud is 13 from before school to as soon as he finishes his homework, he is gaming, about seven hours a day. His mom is worried cause he doesn't talk to other kids much, except in his games. When she tries to talk to him she gets one word answers. She tried signing him up for basketball, but he refused to go. He does go out to gaming lounges, but his mom hates the atmosphere. She wants a safe place for him to meet new people, open up and socialize with others.
Like Mahmoud there are many youths in Lebanon spend hours in front of the computer or television screen. They struggle with isolation, depression and use gaming to avoid individual and family problems. Traditional programs like sports or social events don't appeal to Mahmoud. He won't come to basketball and isolates himself. Gaming lounges are places like the "street" and introduce youth to things that are not good for them and things like drugs.
By creating this space of gaming for youth we are opening up the door for those who enjoy gaming and other programs will not appeal to them. Giving these gamers a safe place away from the gaming lounges to connect with others will give them a place to share. Our goal is for our staff to connect with these youth and target mental health issues and other issues that they may be facing in their individual lives or in their families.
Many mental health issues come with isolation. Ones like Mahmoud go farther and farther into themselves and get lost and then have no idea where to go from there. Having a safe place to bring up issues with people who are trained to handle can have a dramatic change in a young life. Giving these teens a open ear and open heart of our staff who can offer hope and a change for their lives sets them on a new trajectory for the future.
