Lebanon

 

Photo Credit: MERATH

Since the conflict erupted in March 2011, Syria has witnessed unprecedented devastation and displacement. According to the UN, more than five million Syrians have fled the country and almost seven million are internally displaced. With more than 14 million people in need of assistance, the conflict has caused untold suffering. On top of the trauma associated with fleeing their homeland, displaced families face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amid rising prices in because of the current economic recession.  

 

HYGIENE KITS

For almost ten years, Tearfund Ireland contributed to an intervention education programme for Syrian refugee children. When that programme had to stop due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tearfund Ireland continued working with local church-based partner, MERATH, in areas where refugees are receiving little outside help. To improve families’ overall living conditions, we distributed 500 hygiene kits to vulnerable refuges and Syrian refuges that struggle to afford the necessities. Kits include soap, hand sanitizer, sanitary pads, cleaning cloths, shampoo, cleaning liquid and more.  

 

FOOD VOUCHERS

Our Lebanese partner also worked with local churches to deliver food vouchers and e-cards, (cards with money that can be replenished continually) in the greater Beirut area during the aftermath of the 2020 blast, a severe Covid-10 pandemic, and the economic crisis. They delivered over 3,000 food vouchers and over 2,300 e-cards, providing significant relief and support to those most vulnerable and living in poverty. The project was able to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and increase food security for hunger-affected individuals and households.