As the situation in Lebanon worsens, the arrivals of people fleeing their homes to escape the attacks devastating the south of the country are increasing.
There are currently 200 people hosted in Ain Aa r, north of Beirut, 130 at the Mariapoli La Sorgente Center and 66 at the IRAP. They are Christian families at the Irap and Shiite Muslims at the La Sorgente Center, many of whom were already hosted during the last conflict in 2006 and today find themselves in precarious conditions again. The situation is getting tougher every day, the needs are many – from food, to personal hygiene items, to medicines, to clothing to cope with the decreasing temperatures. The concern for a situation that does not seem to foresee any short-term solutions is ever greater. Despite this, at the Center we try not to lose hope and thanks to everyone’s commitment, we live every day in the service of others, especially the youngest . Some teachers present have given their availability and seven classes have been organized for 39 children and teenagers up to 15 years old, so that they can continue to receive lessons in the most important subjects.
Thanks to the collaboration with Caritas, school supplies are being secured, such as notebooks, pens, pencils and colours, while a space has been set up for young people attending university to allow them to continue following lessons online. They go to “class” by forming orderly lines and the days begin by singing the national anthem and short prayers.
Even young Lebanese, despite not having financial resources, are working to offer their talents to the displaced. A group of three volunteers decided to make their artistic skills available, improvising shows with clowns and other circus games, to be brought to various public schools to offer a little joy to those in need. These young people dedicate their afternoons, after their work, to perform two performances a day lasting an hour and a half. They learned of the presence of displaced people in the centers of Ain Aar and chose to dedicate their time and skills. Their performance captured the attention of adults and children, bringing a smile to everyone present.
