Giving is the greatest form of happiness
She was exposed to philanthropy from a very young age as her mother was someone very charitable and supported numerous nonprofit entities that cater to children in need. “When you grow up in a household, where giving is all that you know, how could you not want to give,” said 36-year-old Jumana Al Darwish, co-founder of the award-winning social enterprise and international franchise, The Happy Box.
Her father, a former UN diplomat, in his professional and personal capacity, supported hundreds of thousands of children and their families around the world through the provision of educational programmes, healthcare services and public policy reform and advocacy.
Jumana’s venture has been instrumental in spreading global happiness by strengthening family ties and producing educational arts and craft boxes designed to help parents spend quality time with their children.
With over 10 years of international work experience in the public and non-profit sectors, Jumana launched The Happy Box in May 2014. Elaborating on the initiative, Jumana said: “Aimed for children aged between 3 and 11, each ‘Happy Box’ is personalised and customised according to age group and gender, and includes activities and a book surrounding a specific theme, which changes each month. There are three sizes of happy boxes to choose from: small — inclusive of one activity; medium — inclusive of four activities and large — inclusive of eight activities and a book.”
All the materials required to complete the activities are included — even the glue and scissors — and the instructions are both in English and Arabic. Every activity is educational, yet fun-filled and engaging, promoting cognitive development, creativity and both fine and gross motor skills. The projects are challenging, done using non-toxic, carefully sourced, high quality materials.
Adults, like children, will delight at the contents, and within each Happy Box lies the chance to indulge in hours of fun, guaranteed to leave parents and children with priceless memories.
The Happy Box has gifted thousands of happy kits among disadvantaged children in Egypt, India, Lebanon, Kenya, Nepal and Syrian Refugees at the Zaatari Camp in Jordan. “We truly
When you give, you impact another human’s life. Be it a small gesture or a grand act of kindness, it goes a long way. I have seen it first hand.” Jumana Al Darwish, co-founder, The Happy Box
believe that hearts that give are the happiest,” Jumana told Khaleej Times.
Her latest gifting trip was organised in partnership with The Safari Collection, which gifted happy kits that were carefully pieced together with educational school supplies to 300 children at Honi Primary School located in proximity to one of their properties Solio Lodge in Kenya.
Central to the belief that happiness should be universal to all children, Jumana started their CSR arm, Happy Hearts, whereby they gift happy kits (educational stationary kits) to children in need around the world.
“When I decided to embark on my entrepreneurial journey, I knew that there had to be an element of giving as it was deeply engrained in my soul. I could not think of building a company without giving back to those in need, hence our gifting initiative Happy Hearts was born,” Jumana said.
Coinciding with the company’s third anniversary this year, The Happy Box evolved into a lifestyle brand; expanding its mandate and outreach to all members of the community regardless of age group or gender, leading to the establishment of The Happy Studio in Alserkal Avenue.
“The Happy Studio will be a pop art community space when fully constructed in September 2017. It will house The Happy Box factory, which will provide happiness workshops, design and videography services, curated photo shoots, offer arts and crafts for little ones, showcase emerging contemporary art, sensory rooms and installations and feature a coffee shop.”
A greater purpose
Her first field visit was in Sudan with her father, when she was just five years old. “It was lifechanging and from that moment I realised that I was destined to help others in need. As Utopian as it may sound, we’ve all been placed on earth for a greater purpose. I believe my purpose is to impact the lives of those around me. Giving is the greatest form of happiness and teaches one to truly embrace life and be grateful for all that you have,” Jumana told Khaleej Times.
Jumana worked aggressively towards building a future in philanthropy. “I knew that if I wanted to be in this sector and have an impact, I needed to have a solid educational background in an evidence-based social development and with the support of my parents and family, I began to develop my volunteering portfolio at a young age. It came naturally and throughout elementary and secondary school, I volunteered at various orphanages and community centres depending on which country I was living at the time.”
Jumana believes that giving is the greatest form of happiness. “When you give, you impact another human’s life. Be it a small gesture or a grand act of kindness, it goes a long way. I have seen it first hand. I encourage families to introduce the concept of “giving” to their children at a young age. I have taken Ayla, my daughter who is now six, on numerous Happy Hearts trips. It is so important for her to see the reality of life and to appreciate all that she has been offered.”
saman@khaleejtimes.com