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Lebanon

Mary’s Meals serves more than 1,400 children every school day in Lebanon

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Where we work

Life in Lebanon

Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in the Levant region of Western Asia. Lebanon faces serious economic, political and financial challenges and is currently ranked 112 out of 191 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI).

World Food Programme (WFP) estimate that a quarter of Lebanon’s population are refugees – the fourth largest refugee population in the world. Currently around a million refugees from Syria are in Lebanon having fled a conflict driven humanitarian crisis in their home country. There is also a similar number of vulnerable Lebanese people, and more than half a million people are seeking refuge from conflict in Palestine.

The Lebanese Pound has plummeted in value – ,leading to concerns about hunger for most Lebanese families as well as the entire refugee population –  while petrol, diesel and medicine shortages continue to affect the country. It is estimated that more than 700,000 children are out of school.

On 4 August 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the Port of Beirut – the main port in Lebanon – exploded, causing more than 200 deaths, 7,000 injuries and billions of dollars of damage.

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Mary's Meals in Lebanon

Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in Lebanon since 2016.

Working with a trusted partner organization, Dorcas, we are feeding children in areas around Beirut, where there is a large refugee population. This includes children attending school in Antelias, children at a community center in the Aley District of Mount Lebanon, and children at an informal education center located in the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee settlement.

Lebanese children attend lessons alongside Syrian refugee children, and mothers from both communities volunteer to prepare the meal, helping to break down barriers and build relationships.

We are currently providing more than 1,400 children in Lebanon with a meal every school day. 

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Statement from Mary’s Meals following the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon

The office of Dorcas – our dedicated programme partner in Lebanon – sustained some damage during the explosion at Beirut port on the evening of Tuesday, 4 August. Thankfully, no staff were injured and the team was able to return to the office on 7 August, once repairs had been safely carried out.
 Read more about Statement from Mary’s Meals following the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon
When did we start working in Lebanon?

We have been working in Lebanon since 2016

How many children do we feed in Lebanon?

We are currently feeding more than 1,400 children

What meal do we provide?

A sandwich wrap and a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable

Where are we based/where do we operate?

Our work in Lebanon focuses on areas around Beirut with a high refugee population. We work with a trusted partner organization, Dorcas, to deliver the program

What is the capital of Lebanon?

The capital city of Lebanon is Beirut

What language(s) are spoken in Lebanon?

The main language spoken in Lebanon is Arabic, often spoken in a variety of dialects

What currency is used in Lebanon?

The currency used in Lebanon is Lebanese Pounds (LBP)

What is the population of Lebanon?

The population of Lebanon is 5,426,000