Volunteer Highlight: Alaa Millard

I have always wanted to do humanitarian work, but at times it was a case of lack of free time or resources which impeded me from pursuing it. The position at HPF was an excellent opportunity to pursue this, and when I heard about it, I applied immediately.

I believe that no one has any say on where we are born or the privileged position in which we might be born into. It is merely a case of chance and luck. I put myself i

n a displaced person’s position and think that this could be me if life had dealt me a bad hand. It fills me with warmth when I see the amount of work, effort and dedication that the volunteers have. It makes me think that if I was forced to leave my home because of harsh or adverse circumstances, I would also be welcomed and looked after. 

When we think of aid, we do not necessarily think of dentistry; as we do not think of it as a basic need. However, now that I am working on the ground and I see the conditions people are living in and the amount of patients we see on a daily basis, I have become aware of the impact and relief our work provides to people.

If there is anything worse than living in a flimsy make-shift tent in the cold, rainy and windy days of winter, it is living in those conditions but with a toothache. Toothache is the icing on this misery cake. Nobody should have to endure extra pain while going through the most difficult periods in life. A smile is a person’s signature and no one should feel ashamed to smile or show their teeth because adverse conditions have not allowed them to visit a dentist or keep their dental hygiene. When our patients look at themselves in the mirror after receiving treatment, I can see them regain their smile, which raises their confidence and their spirits.

In the camp, we have an incredible reputation. People genuinely love the HPF staff. They smile and wave at us when we are walking in or out of the camp, offer us food and at times come and hug us to express their gratitude for the work we do. When I see this, I think to myself that they should not be thanking us: they are human beings and they deserve every help that we can offer to make their difficult times, easier.

Working for HPF has made me even more aware of how privileged and blessed I am. It has made me appreciate many of the things I once took for granted. I am inspired every day by the resilience of these people in the face of great adversity. I am surprised by their strength because I believe that if I were in their position I would probably succumb to ennui and despair. But, instead, I see the people for who I work for wake up, put on their best clothes, smile and dance. I see people jogging or exercising, meeting friends, laughing; not denying themselves the simple pleasures in life that we sometimes overlook.

This experience constantly reminds me of the power of the human spirit and has convinced me that life does go on.

I honestly believe people in Moria have helped me more than I have helped them. This experience has taught me more about myself in these past few months, than in the last few years. I am grateful to HPF for giving me the opportunity to help and for the people I have worked for, for allowing me to help.