Spreading Benevolence: Fadwa Qadan and Make a Difference

Fadwa Qadan, a 16 year old Palestinian from Al Yasmina school, was tired of seeing sad people around her. So she launched her own “Make a Difference” campaign to spread happiness around her.Spreading Benevolence: Fadwa Qadan and Make a Difference

TEMPO: What is “Make a Difference” Fadwa?

Fadwa: Make a Difference, or M.A.D is part of my long term goal. The aim is to raise awareness about making a difference through the smallest actions. I believe the smallest action can sometimes lead to a big change in person’s life. I started in 2014 to show that we are all the same and that no matter how old we are and what role we play within our society that equal respect needs to be given. So for Valentine’s I brought roses for security guards within my community and sweets for children. The next day I posted a video on the event and I had an amazing reaction. So I decided, if I could as one individual make these people happy and create a change within their lives, imagine what we could do if we all come together to make a difference.

Fadwa Qadan — Left to right: me and Judy
This was taken before our journey to delivering all the toys to the Special Education schools. Judy had been my biggest support and hero ever since the age of 5 when she had taken the role of being my first grade teacher and I consider her as a second mother. I couldn’t have gone far without her.

TEMPO: What happened next?

Fadwa: As more information came out about what I was trying to do, people became more interested in wanting to get involved and they all gave back with little gestures. I rounded up donations in the form of toys and over 300 books coming from different individuals and delivered them to Special Education schools.

TEMPO: Which philanthropists inspire you?

Fadwa: Hands down Martin Luther King Jr. What I personally love is how far he went to make the change he wanted, how he had to break many “unjust laws” to aspire his dream. This man went beyond limits, that’s what I love and look up to.

TEMPO: So what are you planning next?

Fadwa: I will be hosting three new events this year 2016-2017. I’m not going to say anything about what they are, simply because plans do change here and there, and a lot of planning usually needs to go into these projects. I will let people know when the time comes through my social media.

TEMPO: How can people make a “Make a Difference” in this world?

Fadwa: Everything always starts small, then it just evolves. It all might take time to get something going. It might require a lot of effort and patience to spread awareness, but everything is often worth the wait if you work hard.