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Malaysian-gifted Learning Centre in Beddawi Palestinian Refugee Camp, North Lebanon.  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. See article from Wikipedia

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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.

Beddawi Social / Cultural Centre

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.

Projects of the Centre

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 whole family. Maintaining the unity of the family and developing its potential, provides for the children better mental and physical growth.