Refugee Families affected by economic crisis

Introduction; 

The quality of life in Lebanon has been rapidly deteriorating since 2019, making emergency programs essential, especially noting that the already marginalized are among the most affected by the crises. Acquiring basic needs has become difficult for many households, driving NABA’A to implement two projects focused on emergency.

The first project focused on the distribution of food and the provision of cash assistance packages to 430 households over the period of three months. Priority was given to female-headed households and the unemployed.

Women in Arab countries, including Lebanon, have limited access to their rights, noting that Arab societies remain patriarchal to date. That is why constant interventions by local and international organizations are required to spread awareness about women's rights and protect them from abuse. As such, NABA’A targeted different areas across Lebanon with diverse activities.

Believing in youth’s capacity to shape the future of the country and create positive change nationwide, NABA’A implemented several projects centered around empowering youth in Lebanon. Some projects focused on promoting social and economic opportunities for youth through skills development through which youth were provided with vocational training to learn a vocation and life skills training to hone their social and interpersonal skills, thus promoting their employability.  Concurrently, youth were engaged in valuable psycho-social support (PSS) and relaxation sessions, both in groups and individually, under the supervision of a skilled psychologist. This ensures that they are better equipped to face any challenges they may encounter. Thus, youth were empowered through a holistic approach, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and implement their own initiatives or to increase their chances of securing jobs. 

Main Achievements; 

NABA’A has made significant progress in achieving its mission through its diverse programs. To successfully implement diverse projects, NABA’A not only partnered with local and international organizations, but also focused on capacity building initiatives for its staff. This enabled the organization to record a name of achievements.

• For the first time, a group of children that raises awareness and leads advocacy campaigns regarding child labor was formed in Ein El Helwe camp. This made other children excited to express their feelings and participate in future campaigns.
• Children forming CACs were chosen to represent Lebanon in the Global Gathering in Rwanda and were able to share with international NGOs the situation of children in Lebanon and their recommended solutions.
• Strengthening the MANARA network yielded positive outcomes, transforming the network from being country based to becoming functional on a regional level with a clear list of roles and responsibilities.
• The Emergency Program provided gravely needed relief services to desperate households in times of crisis, giving them a sense of security.
• Girls on the verge of dropping out of school to get married were retained in education and women were provided with access to ongoing learning opportunities.
• Youth were supported to gain new skills, have access to decent work opportunities, and get actively and positively engaged in community initiatives away from what could have become a self-destructive lifestyle.
• During an unprecedented pandemic, over 2,596 people got registered on the national vaccination platform.

 Case Study; 

Ten-year-old Child is a Syrian living in El-Buss camp with his parents and five siblings. Before participating in the Education Program, he was known as a hyperactive child with trouble concentrating in class, which affected his learning capacity. The program's active learning strategies and educational activities captured his attention, helped him focus, and changed his behavior. He is now described as a calm child who enjoys studying. With the help of the Psychosocial Support activity implemented alongside the educational sessions, he gained confidence, and his grades improved significantly.

Links:

• Naba'a Website