Embassy Highlights

The American People Help Children in South Lebanon Overcome the Effects of the Latest Conflict

April 4, 2007

Children in Nabatiyeh are captivated by an educational play on children’s rights...

As a result of the July 2006 crisis, the U.S. Government is addressing the needs of vulnerable children in South Lebanon, who have been the most affected by the conflict. As part of the U.S.-funded Emergency Response and Recovery in Lebanon program, Mercy Corps organized the National Children’s Day in Nabatiyeh in South Lebanon. 300 students from public schools in the area of Nabatiyeh took part in educational games and activities such as theater, cartoon projection, face painting, postcard drawing, playing and dancing. Other psychological activities under this program include youth-led campaigns, computer training for women and youth, environmental and public health awareness campaigns, school rehabilitation and sports facilities and playgrounds’ construction. The psychological program has thus far reached more than 100,000 children and youth in the areas of Baalback, Hermel, Nabatiyeh and the Southern suburbs of Beirut.

 

This initiative falls within the U.S. Government-funded Emergency Response and Recovery in Lebanon program. Funded at a level of $13.2 million, the program aims to provide targeted humanitarian inputs for the most vulnerable households, while working through local partners to distribute essential food and non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene systems. The program also promotes economic recovery and social infrastructure rehabilitation activities, in addition to psychological activities targeting children and youth. More than 700,000 beneficiaries in more than 104 villages will be reached by July 2007.