Kites in the time of Covid-19

This virus has shaken the whole world. It has challenged us and stripped us from our comfort zone.

The seriousness of Covid-19 reached Egypt late February, when the first case of the virus was reported. I remember one day my coworker and I were correcting the student’s book and we began discussing how out of proportion this virus had reached, not fully understanding its velocity. We were taken by surprise how quickly our opinions were changed over a short time. The next thing we knew, we’re no longer conducting our classes in school and were quickly moved to an online system that most of us were not savvy or equipped to master. As this virus has demonstrated, we adapted to a new norm and with soon time dominating it.

This virus has shaken the whole world. It has challenged us and stripped us from our comfort zone. There is no doubt that this virus has had an effect on all of us. Some have dealt with the virus first hand, whether a healthcare worker like, doctors, nurses, hospital workers to virologist and many more professions. Not to mention those who have been effect with the virus or have lost a loved one from of it.

Some have faced economic stress, from loosing jobs to businesses. Some business have fallen short in coping with the new rules and regulations that were imposed consequently from the uniqueness of this new virus.

To many the emotional tension that this virus has brought is real. Many have found escape in finding a greater purpose, or in building a stronger connection with their Creator while time is still at their favor. Some emotions were produced by physical abuse.

Globally, there has been a surge in cases of domestic violence.

Mina Abdulaal

There is no escaping the effects of the novel corona. One way that young Egyptian have been coping with the stresses of this time is to fly kites in the terrace or rooftops. The flying of kites began during Ramadan where young people were trying to pass the time of fasting while home. The flying of kite began when the sun descends before the breaking of the fast which happens at sundown.

photo courtesy of Roger Anis

Suddenly an influx of kites were filling the skies of Egypt. Kids were showing their creativity with their new treasure. It is often with the youth that one finds hope during calamities. Young people have ways to flush trivial times and they often cope with the most unexpected. Undoubtedly the world will never be the same after the virus, that might not be a bad thing. However, children have shown us that happiness lies in the simplicity of things.

photo taken by Roger Anis