Amel Showcases Its Experience to UNESCWA Delegation: Centers as Civic Spaces for Change

During a field visit to Ain El-Remmaneh and Haret Hreik, Amel International’s community centers highlighted their role in fostering social resilience, citizen engagement, and innovative civic action.

Dr. Kamel Mohanna, President of Amel International, received Dr. Ahmed Moummi, Chief of Social and Economic Affairs for the Middle East and Africa at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), accompanied by Dr. Abdel Raouf Hejazi, Inspector General at the Lebanese Parliament, during a field visit to Amel’s centers in Ain El-Remmaneh and Haret Hreik.

A Philosophy of Change

At the start of the visit, Mohanna underlined that Amel was not established as a mere service-oriented organization, but as a social movement for change. He emphasized that the institution’s philosophy is built on recognizing every individual as an active partner in designing and implementing programs, and on the belief that dignity and rights are the foundation of all development work. For Mohanna, the centers function as genuine civic spaces where communities can strengthen solidarity, participation, and social justice.

A Nationwide Model

Mohanna highlighted that Amel today operates more than 40 centers and 21 mobile clinics, in addition to mobile education and child protection units, all run by 2,300 staff and volunteers. This widespread presence, he explained, reflects Amel’s vision of a “possible Lebanon”—a country that maintains its pioneering role despite crises, through locally rooted initiatives that reinforce the concept of citizenship.

Observations from the Delegation

During their visit, the delegation was briefed on programs implemented at the Ain El-Remmaneh and Haret Hreik centers, covering primary healthcare, psychosocial support, vocational and educational training, and protection of vulnerable groups. Dr. Moummi praised the tangible field presence of Amel, stressing that such a model reflects UNESCWA’s mission of promoting inclusive development and social justice. Dr. Hejazi added that the work of the centers demonstrates how real change is driven not by rhetoric but through consistent, daily engagement on the ground.

Partnership with the United Nations

Concluding the visit, Mohanna reaffirmed that Amel’s partnership with United Nations agencies is deeply rooted, built on shared values and objectives. He stressed that the organization’s experience represents a genuine lever for building a state of citizenship in Lebanon.