Helping refugee children in Lebanon: How UK Care for Children is making a difference

Lebanon, a small nation on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, is currently grappling with a severe crisis, as it hosts more than 250,000 Palestinian refugees and over 1.5 million Syrian refugees. The Palestinian refugees arrived during the Nakba in 1948, fleeing their homes without the right to return. The Syrian civil war has forced millions to flee their homeland, and Lebanon has borne the brunt of this influx. According to recent reports, the living conditions for refugees in Lebanon continue to deteriorate, with over 90% living in extreme poverty. This dire situation underscores the critical need for sustained support and intervention from international organizations to provide aid and protection to the most vulnerable, especially children.

Refugee children in Lebanon face numerous challenges, from lack of access to education to inadequate healthcare. The harsh economic conditions have further exacerbated their plight, with many children forced into labor to help their families survive. In this context, the work of organisations like UK Care for Children (UKC4C) is vital.

UKC4C has been at the forefront of efforts to support refugee children in Lebanon, focusing on providing education, healthcare, and essential supplies to those in need. Through various programs, UKC4C aims to create safe and nurturing environments where children can thrive despite challenging circumstances.

One of our primary initiatives is improving access to education for refugee children. Education is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering the next generation. UKC4C works with local schools and communities to provide scholarships for refugees, books and equipment the children need, and help to provide specialist educational support to students with special needs. By focusing on education, UKC4C is helping to build a brighter future for these children, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

In addition to education, we also provide essential healthcare services to refugee children and their families. Access to medical care is often limited in refugee camps, and we work to bridge this gap by offering medical aid and support. This includes everything from providing hygiene kits, clean water supplies, and basic medical services to providing hearing aids and artificial limbs.

You can support refugee children in Lebanon with:

• £25 to provide a child with school essentials (backpack, pens, pencils and other equipment)
• £40 to provide a family with a clean water tank
• £250 to cover a month’s University tuition fee
• £1500 for an artificial arm or a leg

By supporting UKC4C, you can help provide hope and opportunity to the children of Lebanon, making a lasting impact on their lives and the future of their communities.