Latest from Annahar
Annahar
a day ago
- Health
- Annahar
Mindfulness and Autism
A fairly recent study shows a 'mindfulness' program for autistic children and their parents provides a direct and long-term improvements. Mindfulness is defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. For Muslims and Christians who pray, an element of mindfulness is naturally infused in one's prayer. Another way I can describe it is when we take time to reflect on our conscious existence and our existence in relation to the natural environment and with other human beings around us. I always think about myself, the environment and the people around me, what is the big deal about a mindfulness program? The difference is that when you practice mindfulness on a routine basis, taking time from your day to actually meditate or pray, you become more mindful throughout your day. To put this in perspective, have you ever had an interaction with a person that was not as friendly as you would have liked it to be? After having an opportunity to reflect you may re-approach that person to apologize or to make the relationship more peaceful. What if your always busy with your work, school, or other tasks or social responsibilities, you may miss that opportunity to reflect, whereas when you designate time on a routine basis you are always having that opportunity to think about your emotions, your existence, and your relations with others. Thus, setting a time on a regular basis to reflect with oneself, one become more mindful throughout their day and through-out their life. What is Autism? Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood and remains throughout adult life. It is characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. Fundamental to human development at many levels is the human ability to read minds and predict other peoples' intentions, this requires a specialized network of neurons in the frontal cortex of the brain called the 'mirror system'. These neurons are active when one performs a certain task but also when one observes the same task performed by others. From this, the brain forms a theory of the another person's mind using one's own experience, which enables imitation learning, empathy towards other human beings, and plays a critical role in the formation of language. Imitation is an early milestone in child development, and impaired socialization and lack of imitative play in children with autism are among the diagnostic criteria for the disability. In autism, this network of neurons is underdeveloped, resulting in deficient copying skills and the inability to recognize and interpret of minds of other persons. A child's autism diagnosis affects every member of the family in different ways. Parents/caregivers must now place their primary focus on helping their child with autism, which may put stress on their marriage, other children, employment, finances, and personal relationships and responsibilities. As much as we need to cope and treat the child's autism, equally important is treating the parents added stress and their overall mental health. In a recently published study at the Research Institute of Child Development and Education at the University of Amsterdam, which followed forty-five children with autistic spectrum disorders from the age of 8 through the age of 19 to see the effectiveness of a mindfulness program on both the parents and the autistic child who preformed mindfulness programs along with their parents. The study showed parents had an improvement in emotional and behavioral functions, improvement in the effectiveness of their parenting, specifically, over-activity and stress about their competence in parenting were decreased. Also, the parents' mindful awareness, as described in the mindfulness definition above also increased. Surprisingly, the autistic child did not report significant changes in mindful awareness, however, what is significant is that the child's social communication problems decreased, and their emotional and behavioral functioning improved, which included their internalizing, externalizing, attention problems, rumination, stress, and emotional well-being. Preforming a mindfulness exercise with an autistic child can be a challenge because of the inherent limitations in the child's ability to mirror the parents. Forcing anyone, albeit a child with autism, to pray or meditate in all likelihood will fail. However, if the parents approach the mindfulness exercise in a manner that is part of the parent's natural household order and part of the parents daily life and activity, they will set an environment that is naturally conducive to encourage mindfulness by the autistic child on his own. For example, when it's time to meditate or pray, all the distractions such as electronic devises and televisions are turned off, the lighting is reduced, and all toys are put away; creating a certain time during the day where both the parent and the child are availing themselves the opportunity to be in a peaceful and quiet environment to self reflect and be mindful.
Annahar
27-05-2025
- Business
- Annahar
Degrees Without Direction: Why Lebanese Graduates Struggle to Find Jobs
Mariam Abed El Karim Chokor vs. Employability in LebanonLebanon has long prided itself on its robust education system. With high literacy rates, a culture that values academic achievement, and several universities ranked among the best in the region, Lebanese youth graduate with impressive academic credentials. Nearly 50% of high school graduates pursue higher education, placing Lebanon at the forefront of university enrollment in the Arab beneath this academic success lies a troubling paradox: educated but unemployed youth. According to the International Labour Organization, youth unemployment in Lebanon exceeds 47%—among the highest in the region. This glaring disconnect raises a critical question: Why are so many educated young people unable to find jobs?The answer lies in the growing employability gap—the mismatch between what students learn in school and what employers need in the real world. While degrees are being earned, essential workforce skills—such as problem-solving, communication, digital fluency, and adaptability—are often article examines the roots of this disconnect, the consequences for youth and the economy, and the urgent need to rethink how we educate, train, and prepare young people for today's labor market. II.A Changing Job Market, An Unchanging SystemLebanon's labor market has transformed rapidly in recent years. Growth sectors like information technology, digital marketing, logistics, healthcare, green energy, and e-commerce demand a new kind of talent: individuals who are digitally savvy, collaborative, adaptable, and capable of lifelong a 2023 survey by the Lebanese Development Network found that over 65% of employers struggle to find entry-level candidates with strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and digital literacy. Other soft skills—like emotional intelligence, initiative, and professionalism—are also in high demand but rarely cultivated in traditional graduates enter the job market with unrealistic expectations, assuming their degree alone is enough. But in reality, employers are looking for candidates who have already gained experience through internships, volunteering, or project-based learning. Tools like Microsoft Excel, Canva, or project management software are often unfamiliar to graduates—putting them at a misalignment between graduate expectations and labor market demands is not just a gap—it's a gulf. It leaves students frustrated and employers unable to find the talent they need, perpetuating high unemployment and underemployment rates. the Education System Falls ShortLebanon's education system, while academically strong, remains largely theoretical. It relies heavily on outdated teaching methods, with more than 70% of assessments based on rote memorization and written exams, according to a 2021 World Bank report. This method trains students to recall information, not to apply it—an approach that falls short in a skill-driven economy. A 2023 study by the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies revealed that nearly 60% of university graduates felt unprepared for the job market, citing a lack of practical training and digital exposure. Few students have experience in team projects, leadership, entrepreneurship, or innovation before they university curricula are often rigid and outdated. Fewer than 25% of higher education institutions offer courses in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, or green energy. When such courses exist, they're often optional and rarely aligned with industry the problem is the lack of collaboration between academia and the private sector. A 2022 survey by the Lebanese Employers' Association found that only 18% of companies had partnerships with universities, and just 12% of students had completed internships before the root of these issues is a societal mindset that overvalues degrees and undervalues skills. Students and parents continue to prioritize traditional professions like medicine, engineering, and law, while fields like vocational training or entrepreneurship are stigmatized. This contributes to an oversupply of graduates in saturated sectors and a shortage in high-demand industries. Needs to ChangeAddressing this crisis requires a systemic overhaul of Lebanon's education-to-employment pipeline. Three major shifts are essential: Reform: Education policy must embed career readiness, digital literacy, and soft skills training across all levels. Career counseling, internships, and project-based learning should be standard, not Collaboration: Employers should co-design curricula with universities to ensure relevance. Career centers must become bridges between students and the world of work, offering networking, mentorship, and recruitment Shift: Success must be redefined to include skills, adaptability, and lifelong learning—not just degrees. Public campaigns, career role models, and early career education can help shift cultural attitudes and broaden students' aspirations. V. Conclusion: Turning Education into OpportunityLebanon's youth are full of potential, but the current system is failing them. High unemployment, outdated teaching methods, and a rigid academic culture are leaving graduates unprepared for today's job cost of inaction is clear: frustration, brain drain, and economic stagnation. But with coordinated reform—linking policy, practice, and perception—Lebanon can transform education into a launchpad for we align learning with labor market needs, we turn credentials into capabilities—and give our youth the future they deserve.
Annahar
20-05-2025
- Health
- Annahar
After Graduation… A Celebration or a Silent Struggle
You've handed in your final paper, passed your exams, taken your graduation pictures, and maybe even posted a proud 'I did it!' moment online. But now what? If you're a recent graduate—or about to be—this is for you. Because not everyone talks about what comes next: the emptiness, confusion, or anxiety that can quietly replace the excitement of graduation. This is called:Post-Graduation DepressionAnd yes—it's real, common, and okay to talk about. What Is Post-Graduation Depression? It's a period of emotional struggle that many students face after leaving university life. Suddenly, the structure, routine, and social network you once relied on are gone. You may find yourself questioning your path, doubting your abilities, or feeling stuck between 'student life' and the real world. Some common symptoms include: ●Feeling lost, unmotivated, or anxious ●Sleeping too much or too little ●Withdrawing from friends and family ●Struggling to find direction or purpose ●Feeling like everyone else has it figured out (spoiler: they don't) Let's Talk Numbers: This isn't just 'in your head.' Studies show it's a widespread issue: ●According to the American Psychological Association (APA), up to 45% of recent graduates experience symptoms of depression. ●A Handshake (2023) survey found that 67% of college seniors feel anxious about finding a job. ●Mind UK reports that 1 in 3 graduates struggle with mental health within the first year after graduation. ●The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reveals that 64% of young adults (ages 18–25) face some form of mental health challenge during the post-college transition. ●And 51% of graduates feel emotionally unprepared for life after university, according to HigherEdToday (2022). These aren't just numbers—they're students like you and me, trying to figure it all out. For Those Still in University… Yes, graduation is exciting. But it's also a major life shift. Preparing emotionally is just as important as preparing of it like this: You wouldn't enter an exam without studying. Why enter post-grad life without support and awareness? Here's what you can do now: ●Build a support network—stay connected to people you trust ●Explore different career paths without pressure to 'have it all figured out' ●Focus on your mental wellness, not just your resume ●Understand that it's okay if your journey looks different from others And If You're Already There—Already Feeling It... You are not alone. So many graduates feel exactly what you're feeling right are a few things that can help: 1. Don't isolate to someone—a friend, a mentor, or a counselor. You deserve support. 2. Create structure in your small goals (like waking up early, applying to one job, or reading a chapter) can rebuild momentum. 3. Be kind to okay not to land your dream job immediately. This phase is not a failure—it's growth. 4. Prioritize your well, move your body, take breaks from social media, and rest. Healing takes energy. 5. Redefine 'success.'Success is not always about income or titles. It's about learning, growing, and staying true to yourself. So whether you're celebrating your graduation or bracing yourself for what's next—remember: This phase doesn't define you. But how you care for yourself through it will shape made it this far. Keep going. One day, one small step at a time
Annahar
15-05-2025
- General
- Annahar
'She Doesn't Work' and Other Lies We Were Told
'She doesn't work.' I used to hear that sentence all the time growing up. About my mom. About my aunt. About so many women around me. But let me tell you what I saw: A woman up before everyone else, managing cleaning, planning, reminding, driving, calming, stretching every 'lira,' and holding every person in the house when life got hard. And I always thought: If that's not work, I don't know what is! The Lie We All Learned Too WellIn Lebanon, and honestly? In so many parts of the world, we learned to divide women into two categories:The ones who 'work' (outside the house),And the ones who 'don't' (a.k.a. the housewives). But what we missed, or maybe what we were taught to miss, is that the ones who 'don't work'… are the ones doing everything. Let's call it what it is: invisible unnoticed, and yet somehow to always be available. Always giving. Always never tired. Never frustrated. And when they are tired? People whisper that they're 'nagging.' Or worse, 'ungrateful.' What We Fail to See We see the clean house,But not the three hours it took to clean see the birthday celebration,But not the mental load of planning every see the smiling kids,But not the three-hour drive at 4 PM for their activities. We forget that behind every 'functional' home is a woman doing 100 jobs without a title, a paycheck, or sometimes even a 'thank you.' This labor isn't extra. It's what allows everything else to run, and yet it's rarely recognized as real work. And If I'm Being Honest… I didn't always see it this way. I grew up watching women hold entire households, but I didn't fully feel the weight of it, not until I became one of them. Suddenly, life happened, and I found myself juggling everyone's needs, trying to meet expectations that felt... endless, yet somehow unseen. And I found myself thinking: 'Is this all really supposed to fall on me?' As a women's empowerment coach, I've realized this burden isn't unique to me, or even to a certain country. Women everywhere are carrying this invisible load in silence, with pride, and sometimes with an extra guilt they can't even explain. So, what's the solution?Honestly… I don't think there's just one. But I believe the first step is awareness. To name it. To talk about it. To raise social consciousness. Because when we see something clearly, we can no longer ignore it. Maybe we are the generation that starts 'the unlearning', for someday, our children won't have to unlearn what we were they'll grow up knowing that all labor has value, seen or unseen .
Annahar
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Annahar
Mount Lebanon Votes First: The Tone-Setting Elections
Lebanon is embarking on a new chapter filled with fresh optimism and dedication to democratic administration. Official municipal and mukhtar elections began in the Mount Lebanon area on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Under the direction of President Joseph Aoun and the newly established administration, these elections are seen as a crucial turning point in the activation of local a strong demonstration of leadership and responsibility, President Aoun started his day with an early visit to the Ministry of Interior and Municipality, where election preparations were being closely watched. Later, he was joined by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who actively participated in examining the voting processes to ensure everything was running well. Alongside them were Minister Ahmad Al Hajjar and a group of senior officials who collaborated to ensure that the elections were conducted transparently and in complete accordance with all applicable legal and administrative requirements. President Aoun continued to supervise the implementation of the election measures at the Baabda Palace after he visited the Ministry. Minister Ahmad Al Hajjar acknowledged that 195 electoral complaints were filed in Mount Lebanon in a statement following his vote in his hometown of Chehime. He underlined that the present administration is committed to upholding constitutional requirements and rules, while also giving development initiatives and municipal structure renovation first priority. 'I have not and will not interfere in my town's elections. I have faith that the people will select representatives who are true to them'. He remarked. Speaking about more general issues, Al Hajjar recognized that Lebanon continues to face security difficulties, especially in the south. He informed the public that the Lebanese state continues to be the major source of security and stability for its people and underlined that diplomatic efforts are being carried out through the Ceasefire Committee. More than only a restoration to democratic norms, these elections mark the comeback of a resilient Lebanon. The country's institutions are steadily recovering, and trust in the democratic process is growing again. In a further positive move, the United Arab Emirates declared that it will begin removing travel restrictions on Lebanon on May 7th, enabling Emirati nationals to visit the country. An essential step towards regional reintegration and economic recovery, this action demonstrates the rising trust in the area and the closer connections between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. Lebanon is undergoing a period of rehabilitation. These elections' successful completion signifies both political stability and a renewed feeling of national identity.
