Mona and Sana's stories
Mona and Sana have
been active users of UNHCR's local Community Development Centres. The centres
aim to prevent and address protection needs, reduce socio-economic
vulnerabilities and strengthen the capacity for self-sufficiency among refugees
and vulnerable Lebanese. The Community Development Centres provide a
comprehensive range of social services with a focus on specific needs among the
target group, including victims of sexual and gender-based violence,
particularly vulnerable children, people with disabilities and the elderly. The
centres offer counselling, psychosocial support, information activities,
business-related training, leisure and sports activities. In addition, the Community
Development Centres are meeting places for Lebanese and refugees and therefore
also serve as important places for promoting peaceful coexistence and social
stability.
Read about Mona and
Sana's experiences with the centres here.
Mona Markabawi (59 years)
Mona is Lebanese. She heard about the center 5 years ago from her
friend and decided to check the activities. Mona started with chocolate and
recycling classes when she first joined the center. She also participated in
the awareness and life skills sessions. Today, Mona completed most of the
handmade skills sessions and was elected as a representative of the elderly
community group. In addition, she became part of the catering team, which
enabled her to generate income. Mona is grateful for all the support provided
by the Center. She mentioned to the social worker that when her mother passed
away a few years ago, the center's activities helped her to overcome the pain,
and that she is really enjoying coming to the center and meeting with her new
family.
Sana Abbas (30
years)
Sana is Lebanese just
like Mona. She came to the center 2 years ago looking for an activity to generate
income. She registered in the English and Art therapy classes, and was then
hired as a cleaning staff at the center. Sana's husband has a permanent physical
injury and cannot work. He was subsequently diagnosed with blood cancer. They
have three children. Their economic situation was very difficult, and mostly
relied on assistance from family members. At the beginning, Sana chose English
and art therapy because she wanted to be able to help her children study
and to feel more comfortable with herself. The job opportunity at the center
and the support of the psychologist and other staff members, gave Sana the
confidence to expand her skills and to register in English and computer classes
to reach her goal. Her children are also registered at the center, and benefit
from the afternoon educational classes. Sana mentioned that she is now able to
support the people who first supported her family when they were in need.
This article was
prepared by UNHCR Lebanon. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not take
responsibility for the content of the article.