Lebanon: Peace-building and healing

Wassim Tarchichi, Ahmad Tarshishi and other Lebanese youth participate in a trust-building activity at three-day peacebuilding workshop in Bikafa northeast of Beirut. This workshop is part of a series of workshops supported by the Development for Peace and Nature Association in partnership with MCC.

Sonia Nakad leads a peacebuilding workshop for students attending the Holy Spirit University - Kaslik north of Beirut. This is one of six university campuses in Lebanon that is establishing peace clubs through the work done by MCC’s partner organization, Permanent Peace Movement, with financial assistance from MCC.

This bridge south of Beirut was one of many bridges destroyed or damaged during the 2006 war in south Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.

Ten-year old Mohamed Abd-Al-Al’s left leg was amputated when he stepped on a cluster bomb near his home in south Lebanon. He and his family appreciate the rehabilitation services provided by Nada Ismail and other staff at the Philanthropic Association for Disabled Care, a MCC partner organization in Nabatieh.

In response to the many injuries resulting from the 2006 war in Lebanon, the Philanthropic Association for Disabled Care, an MCC partner organization in Nabatieh expanded its services through opening a computerized orthopedic center that uses computerized equipment to take measurements and design moulds for artificial limbs and other devices.

Ibrahim Hamoud of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon receives assistance from Joseph Harika, a prosthetic and orthopedic specialist at the Philanthropic Association for Disabled Care, an MCC partner organization. Hamoud’s leg was amputated as a result of injuries from the 1978 Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

A banner at a graduation ceremony for participants in the Taameer Vocational Center in Sidon, a center started by the Development for People and Nature Association in 2007 and supported by Global Family, MCC’s education sponsorship program.

Mona Hassouna, project manager of MCC partner Development for People and Nature Association, speaking at a graduation ceremony in Sidon for students who have completed literacy, vocational and life skills courses at the Taameer Vocational Center

Malak Saleh, 9, and Mariam El-Ali, 12, waiting to receive certificates for completing courses offered at the Taameer Vocational Center. The Taameer section of Sidon is adjacent to one of Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camps where more than 50 percent of the population is under 20 years old. The center is supported by MCC's Global Family education sponsorship program.

Hussein Aisha, 15, works with trainer Fawzi Baaklene in the woodworking shop at the Fanar Center in Beirut, a rehabilitation center for young offenders supported by House of Light and Hope with financial assistance from Global Family, MCC’s education sponsorship program.

Items produced in the Fanar Center’s carpentry workshop include a backgammon board and tissue boxes. The center prepares young offenders to reintegrate into society through improving literacy, life skills and vocational skills. It is supported by MCC's Global Family education sponsorship program.

Political instability in Lebanon reflects the need for peacebuilding and conflict resolution projects that reduce tension between youth from different political and religious backgrounds and encourage youth to promote a culture of understanding within their communities. Check out the Fall 2009 issue of "A Common Place" magazine to learn more about how MCC is helping care for cluster bomb victims in Lebanon.