1 in 2
Families can’t afford basic cost of living
Children do not get food they need
More than half of the Lebanese families in Baalbek-Hermel are living in poverty, unable to meet the basic cost of living. Home to some of the country’s most vulnerable children, many in Baalbek-Hermel are eating smaller, less nutritious meals or skipping meals, putting children at grave risk of malnutrition.
Malnutrition risks damaging a child’s health now, and in the future. It can affect their physical and mental development, from an inability to concentrate in school to poor cognitive function; poor growth and well-being; and a weakened immune system, resulting in illness and disease.
1 in 6
Children are no longer in school
Children are missing out on education
With a worsening economic situation, a third of households have needed to cut their spending on education. The rising price of fuel has hindered families' efforts to bring their children to school, and most are forced to study without textbooks. At least 15% of families in Lebanon have stopped their children’s education. Missing school is closely linked to child labour and child marriage. The consequences of a poor educational background can be profound, including poor employment prospects, restricted social and emotional development. This also increased vulnerability to emotional, physical and criminal exploitation.
Your support makes a difference for children in Ksarnaba
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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Learning together. Siblings grow up together, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Lebanon).
How your support helps in Ksarnaba
Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.