Tailored programs for the best interest of the children

DCI has been working with Syrian refugees in Lebanon since year 2014, with the aim of ensuring that Syrian refugee children and children affected by displacement in Lebanon receive adequate education with integration into formal schooling whenever possible.

The program provides pre-school preparatory courses using creative and child-centered teaching methodswhile integrating psychosocial support to elevate the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, it incorporates greater parental involvement, and efforts to change attitudes towards the importance of early childhood education, within the framework of community engagement. The program supports about 900 children annually in six educational centers.

“Incredible Me” is the signature PSS methodology of DCI-leb.The module is a set of structured creative physical activities (yoga& dance), mindfulness, visualization, songs, as well as fine arts that have the power to energize, explore emotions, reduce anxiety, realize personal limitations and build resilience. To better support vulnerable children in developing new strengths within themselves, overcome past experiences and rebuild a meaningful course of life.The program is divided into 5 modules:

  1. Introduction (Who am I)
  2. I am Lovable
  3. I am Grateful
  4. I am Courageous
  5. I Can Do It

Approximately 1500 refugee children and children from the host community are provided annually with psychosocial support courses in addition to therapeutic sessions for children who need additional help.

DCI Lebanon has established a socio-legal defense center in June 2020. The initiative works towards facilitating access to integrated educational, social and legal services in order to improve protection for vulnerable children and young people in Beirut suburbs at high risk of being exploited, abused and arrested. While building the capacities of civil society and government staff on the legal framework governing refugees and juveniles and raising the awareness of the parents on rights and responsibilities so as they will be able to better protect their children.

Main activities include, provision of weekly legal counseling sessions to vulnerable children. And implementation of legal awareness raising workshops for vulnerable young people at risk and their parents on the juvenile law, legal residency, arbitrary detention, refugee rights and responsibilities and other issues related to legal status of refugees.

The program works directly with adolescent girls and young women of different nationalities (Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian) in order to enhance their knowledge and empower them to claim their rights. As such, youth led groups are provided with technical support for them to voice out their aspirations, lead, advocate, sensitize and design effective initiatives on gender equality and equity, gender roles and stereotypes with special focus on social media. The program also engages wider communities including boys, men, caregivers and influential figures (local, religious leaders, and educators) to enhance their knowledge and behaviors related to gender issues in order to ensure acceptance, inclusiveness and promotion of positive gender norms.

The organization has been operating relief projects since year 2015, targeting the most vulnerable families in Lebanon including Syrian refugees, through the provision of food and non-food items. Allowing families living precariously to afford some stability, food on the table, and to meet their children’s nutritional needs.

Nearly 6000 families are being supported on yearly basis with life’s most basic necessities and meeting critical needs within highly vulnerable communities.