Sometimes trying to show people’s resilience in a photo requires a little bit of grit and a whole lot of luck for the photographer. Learn the story behind this photograph by World Vision photographer Laura Reinhardt.
Why World Vision is in Lebanon
The Syrian refugee crisis is greatly impacting neighboring countries. By the end of 2017, nearly 1 million Syrian refugees were registered in Lebanon. At the end of the summer the Lebanese army declared a victory against ISIS on their northeast border, but the fighting continues and the region is still unsafe. This volatility threatens the well-being of Lebanese children as well as the Syrian refugee children who have come seeking shelter. After decades of advocacy from women’s rights groups, this year Lebanon joined other Middle Eastern countries by standing up for victims. They overturned a law, no longer allowing a rapist to escape punishment as long as he married his victim. Your support is helping us serve both Lebanese and Syrian people in need. Children are flourishing even amid difficulties. We’re treating preventable illnesses and diseases and making clean water and sanitation accessible. And child protection programs are addressing advocacy and emergency situations for the most vulnerable children. Together, we’re removing barriers to kids’ education and giving communities sustainable and long-term food security opportunities—so they can break the cycle of poverty.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Lebanon ❯
Progress in Lebanon
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- We trained teachers in life skills courses so they could teach students about character development, drug abuse, bullying prevention, and positive communication across ethnic and religious barriers.
- To educate children on their rights and responsibilities we provided them with educational games that help them learn to recognize, identify, and address child protection situations.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- To improve children's health and lower the incidence of preventable illnesses, we worked with mother's groups and teachers to educate children on proper nutrition, handwashing, and personal hygiene.
- We partnered with local organizations and teachers to educate children with age-appropriate material regarding reproductive health and substance abuse. By increasing children’s and adolescents’ knowledge in these areas, they will be able to make well-informed decisions.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- We worked to expand learning opportunities for youth by providing computer and English language classes. We also trained teachers in career counseling, so they can advise graduating students about their vocational and educational options.
- To improve the quality of education, we worked with principals to address high-priority needs for their schools, and trained teachers to identify children with learning disabilities and create individualized plans for them.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- Following Christ's example, we worked alongside children and families to change lives, promote peace and understanding, and demonstrate God's unconditional love.
Prayer Requests from Lebanon
World Vision's staff in Lebanon are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
God to preserve the unity of families, the innocence of children, and the courage of parents for the thousands of refugees who now call Lebanon home.
God to protect children from abuse, neglect, and violence and heal those suffering from disease and illness.
News from Lebanon
From the Field
Syrian refugee crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
The Syrian refugee crisis is now the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time. Because of the Syrian civil war, 5.6 million people have fled Syria as refugees, putting a strain on the region’s ability to cope. And another 6.1 million people are displaced within Syria.
Prayers
Covering the world in prayer: Pray for the Middle East
Please pray for the Middle East. World Vision works in Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and is responding to the crises in Syria and Iraq.
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