Standing Hand in Hand with Beirut

Background during and after the implementation of the project;

Before the Beirut explosion, the following Nabaa’s Assessment showed 75% of the Lebanese were in need of assistance, 33% of the population became unemployed, and more then one million people were living below the poverty line. These numbers were likely to rise especially after Beirut explosion. In Addition Covid-19’s pandemic distracted the whole economic and social system. The Ministry of Health recorded more than 31,9917 cases and 3,616 deaths as of February 8, 2021.

Resulted from the previous assessment conducted by Nabaa directly after Beirut explosion, Lebanon needs a reliable crisis management strategy, people must be encouraged to take care of their physical and mental health, and new initiatives are necessary on several levels.

Nabaa started its intervention directly after the explosion where the resulted psychological symptoms were well managed through several appropriate services. Because the traumatic event triggers the symptoms and there is a chance that the symptoms will "turn on" again in the future, Nabaa’s intervention was extended for another short period of time.

After two months of intervention, followed by the previous intervention period, with children and parents in the Burj Hammoud area, Psychosocial Support activities (such as discharge activities and psychological follow up) led to positive outcomes in decrease of PTSD level among children (75%to 45%). Nabaa’s psychologists, social workers, parents and children evaluated the decrease of PTSD level.

If the trauma was left untreated, one may have experienced constant nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, depression, phobias, drug abuse, panic attacks, anger, irritability, or hopelessness. The individual may also begin to have physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, fast heartbeat, or extreme fatigue.

Corona virus outbreak was the biggest challenge Nabaa faced due to the strict safety guidelines that were taken and followed while conducting home visits and following up with beneficiaries, as well in implementing activities with groups and municipalities to protect our employees and beneficiaries. Therefore, the sessions were provided remotely, especially after the general lock down.

Naba’a Achievements; During the last period, The most highlighted achievements during the last period;

• We at Naba’a are doing all we can to help all affected communities during this extraordinary crisis. Our assistance efforts go to all: Lebanese, refugees and others who were affected without distinction. The devastating impact of the explosion is compounding the challenges currently faced by Lebanese and refugees and adding even more difficulties as families were struggling to survive with the economic crisis that was exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19.
• Naba’a provided cash assistance for 283 family distributed as 225 in Borj Hammoud and 58 in khandaa along with distributing disinfection / hygiene kits for 1050 families in Beirut and south. Where 150 families in Ein EL Helwi, El Buss, Burj Al shamali and Rachidie camps received hygiene kits in addition to 900 families in Beirut. As for food kits, 225 families in Mie and Mie area and Saida al Balad have provided with Food kits as well as 75 families in Ein El Helwe. Whereas, 306 families in Beirut have received food kits and distributed as 306 families in Khandaa in 900 in Borj Hammoud.
• Our humanitarian response to the tragic blast focuses on the most vulnerable in the community and on different major areas: shelter with emergency housing repairs and protection with mental health and psychosocial support.
• A rehabilitation of 200 shelters with simple damages have been implemented in Borj Hammoud area where the total number of beneficiaries estimated as 751 individuals with regard to rehabilitation. Noteworthy that, Nabaa’ participated in the rapid assessment for 1400 shelters. In addition to the Internal referral for 20 cases from Nabaa team who are working in Borj Hammoud area about other issues as gender Based violence, psychosocial, interventions, cash assistance, livelihood sector, education sector. 392 out of 751 are children, whereas 169 are youth and 190 are elderly taking into consideration 5 people with disability. Adding to this, 570 are Lebanese and 181 are foreigners.

• The division of the groups of children's sessions were according to age (6-14):

-Art therapy sessions for children aged 6 to 10 years

- Psychosocial support "sessions for children "She deals or “I deal with awareness sessions for girls and boys from 11 to 14 years old

- Psychosocial support sessions for all age groups

• 100 children were targeted, divided into groups according to social and psychological needs. The psychologist referred 30 new children for individual follow-up.

Case Study;

The symbol is D. A

Date of birth: 2008

Gender: Female

Nationality: Syrian

- Number of family members: 7 (two girls and three boys)

D.A is a 14-year-old Palestinian refugee who has witnessed many traumatizing events through her childhood. As a beginning, D.A has been suffering from diabetes since she was young which is very tiresome for a girl of her age as it controls her whole life including food and activities. Indeed, D.A teachers have discovered the learning disabilities she has when she participated in NABAA’s educational program as she has concentration problems that limit her interactions and progression which is the main reason behind dropping out of school. To make things worse, D.A was subjected to sexual harassment by one of her relatives which scared her psyche and generated inner psychological issues. Accordingly, D.A, at the age of 14, had to deal with diabetes, psychological issues, and learning disabilities. 

 NABAA’s intervention started once her teachers discovered all these problems. In this sense, D.A case was referred to NABAA’s psychologist who kept an eye on her psychological and mental health through individual and awareness sessions given to her and her parents. On the educational level, D,A teachers followed up her development and used special educational techniques in an attempt to boost her skills. D.A was ambitious and never hesitated to do her homework or to interact with her teachers; she gradually started showing some educational progression.

As a result, D,A was transferred into vocational training and was happy to start a new career which is hairdressing. In few months, D.A will be holding her certificate and able to start working in the field of hairdressing as NABAA’s program she is participating in will provide her with hairdressing tools after her graduation. In brief, D,A is trying to start a new chapter in her life, to forget the painful memory she has, and to overcome her physical illness by dedicating her life to what she loves and is good at communication.

Links:

• Naba'a Website