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Malaysian-gifted Learning Centre, Beddawi Palestinian Refugee Camp, North Lebanon

1 January 2007Release in Malaysia

Beddawi Camp is located in Northern Lebanon, 6.5km to the north of Tripoli city. It is situated on a small hill overlooking the Mediterranean, with an area of 4km².

The Camp population is about 14,290, among them 1,085 displaced persons, UNRWA runs 7 elementary and intermediate schools, while different non-governmental organizations operate 4 kindergartens inside the camp.

The center was established in 1990, through a financial support from the Malaysian Sociological Research Center, as a gift from People of Malaysia to the Palestinians of Beddawi camp.

The center provides financial, social education, cultural and health services to all members of the sponsored families.

The following projects are currently implemented at the center:

▪ Sponsorship for 174 children from 86 families, who

are offered monthly aid from individual sponsors.

▪ This financial support is the first step towards social care

extended to the whole family, to enable the mother in her

struggle to support and maintain the unity of her family.

▪ Special social and cultural activities are planned for the children

and mothers.

▪ Recreational activities such as sports and art are also provided

according to a planned program, in addition to summer camps

organized with the participation of youths from other countries.

▪ A kindergarten provides pre-school education for more than 70

kids age 3-6 years.

▪ A dental clinic offers treatment & oral hygiene education for all

kindergartens inside the camp.

▪ 5 university scholarships are offered to 3 boys and

2 girls at the center.

▪ A class for 16 girls with special needs.

▪ Remedial classes helping 70 children who need after-school

assistance in their studies.

▪ A computer center offering training and services for all the

camp inhabitants.

Staff

The Institution takes special care to recruit most of the staff from inside the camp as a way to provide job opportunities for the people. The center is run through the combined efforts of 3 social workers and 3 Kindergarten teachers, with the cooperation of a dentist and dental nurse.

3 teachers for remedial classes, a driver and a cleaning woman are also among the staff. Special care is given to develop the skills of the staff, by organizing special workshops and in-service, as part of a capacity building efforts.

Objectives of the Centre

The main objective of this center is to provide support for all families who lost their bread earner (by death or disability) through care extended to the children to reach the whole family. Maintaining the unity of the family and developing its potential, provides for the children better mental and physical growth.

New Service Offered

In the aftermath of the war in August 2006, the need for a mental health facility in the centre has become even more vital. A Family Guidance Centre was established with a psychiatrist, psychologist, speech therapist, and an assisting social worker. The number of children who need treatment for trauma, anguish and stress due to the violence of war and the overall situation of the refugees is increasing day by day.