Taking Action in Times of Crisis with Ghena Sandid | Barra El Box

When war broke out, Ghena Sandid could not stand by and watch. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, she founded المبادرة., a volunteer-led initiative that provided critical aid in the midst of the crisis. In this episode of Barra El Box, she recounts how the initiative took shape, the immense challenges faced on the ground, and the resilience of the displaced volunteers who worked tirelessly despite their own hardships.
Ghena sheds light on the realities of emergency response, from logistical obstacles to the failure of institutions to act swiftly. She discusses the power of social responsibility and the role that individuals and businesses can play in times of crisis. She also reflects on the trust people placed in المبادرة., particularly among the Lebanese diaspora who wanted to help but did not know where to turn.
Aside from aid efforts, the conversation explores a broader question: what does it mean to take responsibility when systems fail? Ghena’s experience reveals that even small actions, like sharing information, spreading awareness, and holding institutions accountable, can have an impact.