Support Olive Branch, our inclusive community hub in Beirut
$1,856.81
Raised
44
Donations
$3,000
Goal
The Olive Branch Social Space is a unique project in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. The project was launched in May 2022 by Salam LADC, a grassroots NGO that has supported refugees in Bekaa valley since 2006.
It was created to address the lack of a safe public space in the neighbourhoods of Sin el fil and Nabaa, where different cultural communities live in close proximity but are often separated by sectarian tensions. The centre provides a much-needed space for social cohesion, where community members can come together and engage in a variety of activities that promote integration and understanding.
The situation in Lebanon
Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inflation.
The Lebanese pound has lost more than 98% of its value since the country's financial sector imploded in 2019. Banks have frozen assets at pre crisis values, and placed restrictions on cash withdrawals, making it almost impossible for people to access their own money.
Many Lebanese citizens do not have access to basic services of water, electricity and healthcare, leading to further social and economic marginalisation.
The gap between the rich and poor in Lebanon is growing, leading to social tensions and mistrust. Lebanon is currently hosting over 1.5 million of refugees from Syria, putting pressure on the country's resources and infrastructure, together with making the social equilibrium more and more unsteady. Moreover, in Beirut many have lost the financial means to travel more than a few kilometres, which traps them in a city without green or public spaces, with few possibilities of constructive social interaction.
Our strategy
At the Olive Branch, we believe that empowering people through education and skill-building is key to breaking down the social and religious barriers that exist in our community.
Our English as a second language (ESL) classes, are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and offer a supportive and inclusive environment for people to improve their language skills.
Our vocational training programs also provide an opportunity for community members to develop valuable job skills and increase their chances of finding employment.
In addition to our educational programs, the Olive Branch is also committed to promoting mental health and general wellbeing.
We offer individual and group therapy sessions in collaboration with Al Najat Village, a local mental health organisation.
We host social gatherings involving games, movie nights, discussions and clothes swaps and are continually evolving so the space can best serve the community.
In the past we have had art classes, exercise classes for women and book club, however we need funding to increase our offering.
The Olive Branch is a community-led project, managed by local staff in partnership with international volunteers. Our data-driven approach enables us to adapt and respond to the changing needs of our community. The steady growth of our community to more than 300 members is testament to the importance of the work we do, and the need for continued support.
With your help, we can continue to provide a safe and inclusive space where the members of our community can come together, learn, and grow. Your donation will help us to pay the rent, cover the cost of electricity, and provide resources such as books, art supplies, and teaching equipment. Your support will also help us provide salaries to local volunteers, who play a vital role in delivering our programs and activities, but are not immune to the effects of the economic crisis.
We want our centre to be run by the community for the community.
Join us in supporting the Olive Branch Social Space and help us to create a brighter future for the people of Beirut. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Any donation is appreciated. If you can give a small amount per month this will help secure the longevity of our project. We also invite you to see where your money is going, so come and visit us! Reach out on Iinstagram if you would like to arrange this.
These fundraisers are making a difference
Show your support and fundraise today to achieve our goals!
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Donor Wall12
Ellie Dunford wood | $150
from me and my friends who attended open mic number 2
Ellie Dunford wood
From 20 friends who contributed to an open mic night for the olive branch ⭐️🌻❤️🕊️
Tara Saglio | $75/M
Laura | $100
Great work Ellie
Katya Yan | $25
James | $50/M
Great work Ellie and team!
Philippe Le | $100
Well done. So proud
Amber
Thank you for all the work you do
Flora Gill | $35
Charlie Barlow | $20
Melissa Dunford Wood | $35
Wonderful work being done in The Olive Branch
Ella Downey | $10
An amazing cause x