DRUG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Running in Lebanon since 2012, our Drug Awareness programme gives school pupils vital information about the health risks of drugs and the dangers of addiction. To date AMAR has held 54 discussion-based sessions reaching roughly 1,600 beneficiaries. The campaign also extends beyond schools into the wider local community. In 2013 it launched with a series of lectures by Dr Joseph El-Khoury, Adult and Addiction Psychiatrist at IDRAAC and St George's Hospital, at venues across Beirut. A session titled 'Your Family. Your Kids. No Place for Drugs!' took place at Bank Audi as part of CSR enrichment sessions for staff, followed by a session sponsored by Le Royal Hotel.
ENGLISH IS FUN
Through its ‘English is Fun’ programme, AMAR gives English language tuition to around 300 children in Lebanon each week. Four teachers run an average of 40 sessions a week at the school, giving children the chance to build valuable language skills in a fun, interactive setting.
SUMMER CAMP
Alongside the weekly ‘English is Fun’ programme, AMAR holds an annual summer camp in Lebanon that reaches around 640 children aged five to fifteen. The camp lets Lebanese and Syrian children take part in a range of fun games and activities while learning English. As well as building useful language skills, these mixed-nationality classes encourage greater integration and communication between Lebanese and Syrian children.
SYRIAN REFUGEES
AMAR's team in Lebanon works with the local community to help supply Syrian refugees with essential items such as blankets and winter clothing. UNHCR estimates that more than 1 million Syrians are seeking safety in Lebanon, at least 50% of them children. In March 2013 Baroness Nicholson visited Syrian refugees in southern Lebanon, meeting a number of families. Samira [left] is a pregnant mother sheltering with her children in an abandoned building; her youngest daughter in particular is struggling to cope with the situation. Her story is shared by many other Syrian refugees, but with AMAR's help basic necessities can be provided to bring some relief.
Across all of these programmes, AMAR's Lebanon team works hand in hand with local schools and communities to reach children and families in need. From health awareness and language learning to practical support for refugees, each project is designed to build skills, encourage integration and offer relief where it is most needed.