Lebanon, a country of ancient civilization and rich culture, has faced a series of incredible challenges in recent years. The economic crisis that has engulfed the country is aggravated by the consequences of the long-term military conflict. In this difficult situation, Lebanon has accepted millions of refugees from neighboring Syria, which has further increased the burden on the already weakened education system.
In the city of Baalbek, located in the eastern part of the country, the international humanitarian organization ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) has decided to create an educational center designed to become an oasis of knowledge and hope for children affected by war and deprivation. The project is funded by ADRA Netherlands, & LDSC and aims to support 365 students in the Baalbek area and 95 in Mount Lebanon through retention and remedial classes and ECE (early childhood education).
On February 4, representatives from ADRA International, Imad Madanat, Vladimir Tkachuk, together with the ADRA MENA Regional Director Denis Baratov and ADRA Lebanon Country Director Stephen Cooper, visited that center. On the way to the educational center and even around it, you could see a lot of destroyed houses – the reminder of the recent armed conflict. Despite the ceasefire, Lebanon continues to live in an atmosphere of uncertainty and worry about its future, but situation is changed once we enter the educational center. There was a cheerful atmosphere among the nearly 460 children gathered at the center. It wasn’t just an ordinary day; it was a celebration of knowledge and opportunity, thanks to the continued support of the ADRA educational project.
For these children, life hadn’t always been easy. Limited access to quality education and resources had cast a shadow over their dreams. But with ADRA’s intervention, a new chapter was unfolding.
Each morning began with a nourishing snack, fueling their young minds and bodies for the day ahead. Gone were the days of empty stomachs hindering concentration; now, eager eyes shone bright, ready to absorb knowledge.
Recognizing that transportation could be a major hurdle, ADRA went above and beyond, ensuring 75% of students had safe and reliable passage to the center. This simple act opened doors to a world of possibilities, allowing children from even the most remote areas to participate.
Every month, backpacks brimming with essential learning materials arrived, transforming classrooms into vibrant hubs of exploration. The thrill of receiving new notebooks, pencils, and crayons sparked a joy for learning that was contagious. Three times during the project, students received comprehensive stationery kits, ensuring they were always equipped with the tools needed to thrive.
The impact of ADRA’s program stretched far beyond textbooks and supplies. It fostered a sense of community and belonging. The ADRA Baalbek Center has become a real center of attraction for children from Syrian and Lebanese families. Children from diverse backgrounds came together, building friendships and sharing experiences. The air buzzed with laughter, curiosity, and the infectious enthusiasm for learning. There is an atmosphere of support and mutual respect, children receive not only knowledge, but also the opportunity to socialize, develop their talents and believe in a bright future.
As the project progressed, teachers witnessed remarkable transformations. Hesitant whispers blossomed into confident voices. Struggling students found support and encouragement, unlocking hidden potential. With each passing day, the children’s belief in themselves soared, their dreams becoming more tangible. And all this is thanks to the amazing people – the teachers. They don’t just lecture, they spark curiosity in the eyes of every student. With what passion with what dedication, they work! It seems like they have a secret recipe for turning boring facts into an exciting adventure. We looked into one of the classrooms where the math lesson was taking place and saw an incredible picture: the teacher, like a magician, was writing figures and math problems on the blackboard, and the students, holding their breath, watched his every move. The excitement of discovery and the desire for knowledge were in the air. The teachers of the educational center are real heroes of our time. They open doors to the world of knowledge, inspire discoveries and help children become better.
The five-story building echoed with the joyful shouts of children playing games and sharing stories. This wasn’t just a place for learning; it was a sanctuary where hope flourished. ADRA’s project had ignited a spark within these young minds, illuminating a path towards a brighter future.
For the children of Eastern Lebanon, the gift of education was more than just knowledge; it was a lifeline, a catalyst for change, and a beacon of hope for generations to come. The sun continued its journey across the sky, bathing the playground in a golden glow, a symbol of the radiant possibilities that lay ahead.
On the first floor, in the hallway where parents are waiting for their kids, I notice a colored poster on the wall with the ADRA mission written on it – To serve humanity so all may live as God intended. And above the mission there are steps of success. I thought, what does this mean, why are the steps and how they relate to the ADRA’s mission? And then it dawned on me! The steps are not just a symbol of success, but also a reminder that every step, every small feat, brings us closer to the goal. ADRA helps people see this path, believe in themselves, and find support in the community.
Looking at the poster, I felt hope rise in my soul. The hope that the world can become a better place if we work together, climbing step by step up the steps of success.
Author: Denis Baratov, Regional Director | ADRA MENA
