Four Countries United in a Shared Commitment to Restore Dignity and Hope

The Third Regional Meeting of Wells of Hope, the Talitha Kum Regional Network in the Middle East, officially opened at Our Lady of Peace House in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together 32 participants from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Held under the theme “Peace Begins with Dignity,” the gathering marked an important moment of communion, renewed commitment, and regional collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.

On October 30, the opening ceremony brought together more than 150 distinguished guests, including Church leaders, religious congregations, diplomatic representatives, and international organizations committed to the protection of women and children, and vulnerable migrants, and the prevention of human trafficking. Their participation reflected the importance of building partnerships and fostering collaboration, and advancing a united response to one of the most urgent humanitarian challenges of our time.

Church leaders and Sr. Jeannette Alfi

The gathering was honored by the presence of His Beatitude Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac, Patriarch of Alexandria for Coptic Catholics and President of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt; H.E. Archbishop Nicolas Thévenin, Apostolic Nuncio in Egypt; H.E. Bishop Claudio Lurati, Bishop of the Latin Church in Egypt; and other Church representatives, Sr. Souad Youssef, President of the Union of Women Religious in Egypt, Sr. Bernadette Hannoun, President of the Union of Women Religious in Lebanon, together with Sr. Abby Avelino, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum, and Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf, Regional Coordinator for the Middle East.

In his opening address, Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac highlighted the evangelical and humanitarian heart of Talitha Kum's mission: restoring dignity and bringing hope to women and girls who have experienced exploitation and suffering. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' words, “Talitha Kum” – “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:41) – he encouraged participants to remain close to those who are wounded and marginalized, becoming instruments of hope and renewed life.

H.E. Bishop Claudio Lurati and Sr. Abby Avelino together with members of the Talitha Kum networks in Lebanon and Syria

Sr. Abby Avelino officially opened the meeting, reminding participants that the call to rise up is addressed to everyone. She emphasized that combating human trafficking requires a collective commitment involving religious congregations, Churches, laypeople, youth ambassadors, civil society organizations, and international networks. Through collaboration, shared resources, and coordinated action, the mission can reach more people and ensure that no one is left behind.

A significant part of the conference focused on deepening participants' understanding of the realities of migration and human trafficking in the Middle East. Contributions from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) represented by Mr. Bernard Lami, the Deputy Chief of Mission of IOM, and representatives of Egyptian authorities, Brigadier General Dr. Heba Abu Al-Amaim, shed light on the root causes and challenges of cross-border migration, the protection risks faced by vulnerable populations, and the particular reality of child trafficking. These discussions provided valuable insights for strengthening prevention, protection, and response initiatives across the region.

Sr. Jeannette Alfi, Sr. Abby Avelino, Dr. Heba Abu Al-Amaim, and Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf

Beyond reflection and exchange, the meeting carried an important organizational purpose: strengthening the structure and direction of Wells of Hope as a regional network in alignment with the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of Talitha Kum. Looking toward 2030, participants identified five strategic areas to guide the network's development: strengthening communication and the sharing of experiences and resources; promoting ongoing formation and capacity-building; advancing advocacy for human dignity and the protection of vulnerable persons; consolidating regional and international networking and partnerships; and empowering young people as ambassadors who can raise awareness and mobilize their peers against human trafficking.

An important outcome of the conference was the election of the Middle East regional representative, Sr. Jeannette Alfi, the appointment of activity coordinators, and the distribution of operational responsibilities among members. These steps represent meaningful progress in consolidating the regional structure, clarifying roles, and strengthening cooperation among the four participating countries.

The Cairo meeting was therefore more than a regional gathering; it was a renewed commitment to walk together, strengthen solidarity, and translate a shared mission into concrete action. United as Wells of Hope and rooted in the global movement of Talitha Kum, the participants departed with a clearer sense of direction and a common determination: to protect the vulnerable, stand alongside survivors, confront human trafficking, and build a future where every person can live with dignity and hope. 

Peace begins with dignity, and dignity is restored when we rise together.

By Sr. Jeannette Afi, RGS 
Newly appointed Regional Coordinator of Talitha Kum in the Middle East