For years, Lebanon has been plagued by various crises, particularly the ongoing economic crisis and the Middle East conflict. The country is suffering from a shortage of medicines, a fuel shortage and interruptions to the electricity and water supplies. Poverty is becoming increasingly severe. Added to this is the fact that, relative to its population, Lebanon has taken in more refugees than any other country in the world. People from different cultures and speaking different languages therefore find themselves living together in a country that cannot provide for them all. Competition for increasingly scarce resources is exacerbating social instability and violence between the various population groups.
In Bourj Hammoud, a deprived neighbourhood in Beirut, JRS supports Syrian and Lebanese children and young people aged between four and 17. A holistic educational programme comprising pre-school, remedial tuition and homework support helps them to bridge learning gaps and flourish despite poverty, economic crisis and violent conflicts. At the same time, many families receive psychosocial support – because sustainable aid involves the entire family environment.
The children receive school supplies, hygiene kits and winter clothing, as well as daily hot meals and safe transport to and from school. Art, theatre, music and sport give them the space to simply be children and to come to terms with traumatic experiences. The children are supported by teachers, social workers and project staff.
Ina Thomas
Online Editing | Corporate Communications
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