Women’s Fitness

“Before coming to fitness I was hopeless but after coming here I received great hope,” Rosa said.

After one of our fitness classes, we sat down with the participants and invited them to share something they like about fitness, or something that has been difficult for them.

“I still struggle with my emotions. However, I have been able to lose about 10kg and I am working hard to continue to lose even more weight with your help and your effort on our behalf.”

“Together with my relative, I joined the class and I have benefited from it a lot. I feel better emotionally and everyone at home is happier with me!

In January and February 2020, before Covid-19 came along and all of Operation Mercy’s programming in the refugee camps was shut down to prevent the spread of the virus,

“I need to go to the fitness classes in order to have a place where I can really open up my heart and let go.” This is the feedback we often receive from the women.

“Going to class is so wonderful…  I used to cry all day and night because I felt purposeless at home. Now I can wear anything and I feel so much better.”

Losing weight might be one of the main reasons why they start to come, but why they actually stay and continue to come is the hope and the community they get.

Previously Shireen* was isolated and lonely in her house and wouldn’t go out much. Through fitness she has found more purpose in life and has become confident and content in all she does.