Growing Up Libyan

[tabatha]

I asked Noor what it was like living in Tripoli now since Gaddafi has been deposed. She said, "Things are still unsettled. The Tripoli Council has no authority and safety is an issue. But, even so people are out on the streets smiling".

"Being a teen in Tripoli under Gaddafi was not ... There were no activities ... Nothing to do," Noor said "when Gaddafi was in power people just stayed home as much as possible and baked or watched movies." Post-Gaddafi things are changing. Noor is finding that teens are getting involved in the political discussion. She said, "People have an opportunity to express their talent through painting, music and photograph. They can make a difference through passionate social change."

According to Noor, the top three issues facing the NTC that directly impact Libyan people are:
1. Raising awareness in schools about the revolution -- what was it about, how Gaddafi manipulated and brainwashed the people of Libya
2. Therapy for freedom fighters and rape victims of revolution. Noor says she recently met a rape counselor who said most rape victims want to talk however families hold them back. Noor said, "Families are embarrassed but they need to understand so their wives and daughters can get the help they need."
3. School start up has been delayed until March in alignment with election of the new government. Kids are at home with nothing to do when they should be in school. Schools should be opened throughout Libya even if it is in an "academic transitional phase" as Noor called it just like the Transitional Government. Teachers can do the best they can to teach with the tools they have. Anything has to be better than what they had under Gaddafi.

http://kajblogspot.blogspot.com/2011/11/growing-up-libyan.html