Lebanon

Mondo has been working in Lebanon since 2016.

There are over 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the highest per capita ratio in the world. The situation in Lebanon is made particularly difficult by the fact that more than a quarter of the population comes from Syria and the country lacks the infrastructure and administrative capacity to meet people’s basic needs. 71% of Syrian families in Lebanon live below the poverty line, and many have adopted negative coping strategies: selling their homes, land and consumer goods in Syria, increasing the debt burden to cover daily expenses. The amount of daily meals has declined. In many cases, even child labour and child marriages are used to make the ends meet. 

According to the UNHCR, more than half of the refugees registered in Lebanon are school-age children. This is more than the total number of local children in Lebanese schools. 48% of children in the age group 6-14 and 84% of children aged 15-17 are out of school.

Mondo’s partner in Lebanon is the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD). 

Mondo covers the costs of the Tahadd community center under the LSESD. We distribute hygiene packages to families, and school supplies to children. The center has a women’s livelihood program, which markets products made during the sewing course held at the center.

The Tahadd center has 200 students who do not have access to the Lebanese education system because there is no space in schools or they are behind in the curriculum. Psychosocial support counselor, kindergarten assistant, arts teacher and extracurricular and educational activities manager work with children at the center. Activities are aimed at children aged 4-12. Craft and art training help to improve children’s social skills. In total, nearly 1,000 refugees have received support from Mondo in Lebanon.

Mondo’s work in Lebanon is supported by Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs