A long-standing community center providing protection, vocational training and youth empowerment for vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian refugee communities in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
What We Do?
Hay El Sellom, located in the southern suburb of Beirut within the administrative region of Mount Lebanon, is one of the most vulnerable areas in Lebanon and hosts approximately 10,000 Syrian refugees and 20,000 Lebanese residents.
Amel Association International has been operating in the area since 1980 through its health and training center. In 2014, Amel expanded its presence by opening a new protection and vocational training center to respond to increasing humanitarian and social needs.
All activities implemented in both centers target Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities through integrated services focused on health, protection, professional training and social cohesion.
Professional Training
The center provides language courses, computer training, vocational training and life-skills development for Lebanese youth and Syrian refugees aged 15 to 25 years old.
Training programmes include sewing, men’s hairstyling, assistant nursing, communication skills, conflict resolution, and work placement support.
Recreational activities and psychological consultations are also organized for more than 500 young beneficiaries.
Protection
Since the beginning of Amel’s response to the Syrian crisis in 2012, the center has implemented structured psychosocial and child protection activities for Lebanese and Syrian children and their families.
Activities include awareness sessions, games, community events and psychosocial support activities carried out both inside the center and within surrounding neighborhoods.
Every year, more than 1,200 children and 1,120 parents participate in protection programmes and community events organized by Amel.
Social Cohesion & Community Health
Weekly exchange and awareness sessions on health and social cohesion are organized for Lebanese residents and Syrian refugees with an average participation of 25 people per session.
The center is also preparing first-aid training programmes and coordination meetings between health actors operating in the area.
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