Sometimes you find a book that is so sweet. So wonderful and meaningful. Dancing in the Rain is just that book. It’s a collection of short stories for children and families that touch on real issues in a positive way reminding us all that life should be celebrated.
I had a chance to ask the 23 year old author, Nadha Hassen, about her inspiration and motivation to make a difference.
What inspired you to write this book?
Nadha: Working with diverse children and youth who were living with a number of health issues and coming from different home environments was the inspiration behind Dancing in the Rain. The book started as a personal project and was an attempt to come to terms with some of the difficult issues that children and youth face.
When you started writing this book, at the age of 17, did you think you it would eventually be published?
Nadha: No I didn’t! Dancing in the Rain was a very personal project and I initially wrote it to share with a few of the children and youth that I was working with. I found that the best way to do that was to formalize it. Personally, I was also going through a tough time and dealing with a number of challenges so writing this book was somewhat of a cathartic experience.
Writing and painting have always been ways for me to express myself and an illustrated children’s book seemed a natural way for me to share my thoughts and experiences.
Writing and painting have always been ways for me to express myself and an illustrated children’s book seemed a natural way for me to share my thoughts and experiences.
What do you hope the general reader will get from reading Dancing in the Rain?
Nadha: I hope that the book is a thoughtful reminder to celebrate life. There is no set formula to being happy and I don’t know that anyone has the perfect life. Essentially, life is about “dancing in the rain”.
I’ve found that by volunteering and working with different groups of people, I’ve been able to gain insight into other people’s worlds. These experiences really allowed me to put my own life and my own worries into perspective and realize that I wasn’t the only person facing challenges. Chances are that there are other people with similar stories – so reach out and connect.
For example, Gilda’s Club is an incredible community for people living with cancer. There are other organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters that encourages children and youth to reach their potential by facilitating mentor relationships.
What do you want children to get out of reading this book?
Nadha: For those children who are facing challenges in their lives, I would like for them to take away that they are not the only ones and that it is important to stay optimistic and keep moving forward. Too often it is easy to be angry or to blame or to feel self pity, but learning to appreciate what you have and living in the moment can makes things easier.
I truly hope that the book enables children to understand and appreciate the diversity of people’s lives – be it family structure, health concerns and so on. I hope the book fosters empathy.
How about parents?
Nadha: In the past, when I’ve described the book, I’ve had parents tell me that childhood should not be about challenges and should be a carefree time. I absolutely agree! However, the reality is that there are so many children in Canada and around the world who in situations that are far less than ideal.
The children I’ve worked with are resilient and optimistic and I have learned so much from them. I hope that some of that spirit has come through in the book. I also hope that this book is a gateway for parents to have honest and open conversations with their children about issues like autism or cancer. Age is not a factor in cultivating solidarity, compassion and open-mindedness.
People tend to underestimate the capability of children to comprehend nuanced concepts – and I hope that this book can be accepted as a means of inspiring dialogue.
I think parents have a huge responsibility when it comes to setting an example for their children – and getting involved in community efforts or volunteering can be a great family activity.
The children I’ve worked with are resilient and optimistic and I have learned so much from them. I hope that some of that spirit has come through in the book. I also hope that this book is a gateway for parents to have honest and open conversations with their children about issues like autism or cancer. Age is not a factor in cultivating solidarity, compassion and open-mindedness.
People tend to underestimate the capability of children to comprehend nuanced concepts – and I hope that this book can be accepted as a means of inspiring dialogue.
I think parents have a huge responsibility when it comes to setting an example for their children – and getting involved in community efforts or volunteering can be a great family activity.
When did you start volunteering and how did you decide what area you wanted to commit some time to?
Nadha: I started volunteering with children who were living with cancer through Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto. I was 17 and in my first year of university. This really was a pivotal experience for me that made me aware of the positive influence of a support system. I was also introduced to the not-for-profit world and the importance of giving back.
Being 17, I was interested in initiatives for my age group, which is how I got involved in tutoring and mentoring programs for high school youth from different communities in Toronto. After that, I just kept building on my experiences and interests !
Being 17, I was interested in initiatives for my age group, which is how I got involved in tutoring and mentoring programs for high school youth from different communities in Toronto. After that, I just kept building on my experiences and interests !
What do you want to tell kids about volunteerism?
Nadha: Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in community initiatives and a great introduction to social justice projects and work.
I would recommend that everyone ask themselves what they’re interested in and what they love doing – and then turn that into something that inspires and has a positive impact. Kids have some of the best and most creative ideas. Never underestimate what you can accomplish and don’t ever think you can’t make a positive difference because of your age or any other factor.
I would recommend that everyone ask themselves what they’re interested in and what they love doing – and then turn that into something that inspires and has a positive impact. Kids have some of the best and most creative ideas. Never underestimate what you can accomplish and don’t ever think you can’t make a positive difference because of your age or any other factor.
Anything else you want people to know?
Nadha: For the moment, $1 of every book sold will go towards programming for children and youth through a registered charity. I’m hoping to increase the amount in the near future !
Nadha has recently been recognized as the recipient of the 2013 Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC) Global Changemaker Award for her contribution in taking positive steps forward in making our world a better place through her work with Africa’s Children-Africa’s Future organization.
For more information about Nadha Hassen, her blog, and her book Dancing in the Rain, please visit her website at www.nadhahassen.com and follow her on twitter @nadhassen
Here’s how her contribution has made a difference….