Renewed Learning and The Olive Branch Partnership
£6,992.24
Raised
110
Donations
£5,000
Goal
This August Ed and Benedict, cofounders of Renewed Learning, will be running from Cambridge to Oxford to raise money for The Olive Branch Beirut - an educational subsidiary of the registered charity Salam LADC based in the heart of Lebanon. The run itself consists of three marathons in three consecutive days and we have set an initial target of £5,000. Renewed Learning will be matching the first £1,000 donated. Neither Ed or Benedict have ever attempted a marathon before, let alone three in three days!
Both of us have always been clear about our charitable intentions for Renewed Learning - and after launching Renewed Learning Scholarships in January, our new partnership with Olive Branch is our next step. We were inspired to partner with Olive Branch after one of our tutors volunteered with the charity earlier this year. We will also be providing free online lessons to their students.
Your donations will make a huge difference to the charity. £5,000 will cover the entirety of their costs for seven months and ensure the continued educational growth of their students. You can find out more about the Olive Branch below.
The Olive Branch
The Olive Branch Social Space is a unique education orientated project in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. This volunteer-led project was launched in May 2022 by Salam LADC, a grassroots NGO that has supported refugees in The 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 and service for education and social cohesion, where community members can come together and learn English 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 education and social interaction.
Renewed Learning and The Olive Branch:
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. This same philosophy is shared and promoted by our recent partner, Renewed Learning, and their work in providing exceptional tutoring to students through their team of expert young graduates and undergraduates.
Our Education Strategy:
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.
How your donations could help:
“We want our education and social centre to be run by the community for the community”.
The Olive Branch is a community-led project, sustained and 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 90 active members is testament to the importance of the work we do, and the need for continued support.
We rely upon the generosity of donations to continue our work and provide a safe and inclusive space where the members of our community can come together to learn and grow.
The breakdown of our monthly £720 budget:
- £440 is used for rent, electricity, and water bills.
- £80 covers the centre’s general logistics including: the maintenance of the Olive Branch and the volunteer apartments, basic items for the volunteers and our two staff salaries.
- £160 is allocated for all activity-related costs ranging from education supplies e.g., books and stationary as well as any extra-curricular supporting items to fulfil our social space commitment such as game materials and social events
- £40 is budgeted for any unforeseen expenses.
As you can see any donation will make a massive difference and considerably help secure the longevity of the Olive Branch’s educational services! So please join us in supporting our organisation and the inspirational efforts of Ed and Benedict’s running challenge.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you!
Donor Wall68
Andrew Hockey | £50
Charles Buchan | £100
Oliver
Great effort for a great cause. Well done.
Paul Dowie | £100
Go well!
Jake | £100
Bill & Lucy Cassidy | £50
Lorraine
Antony Maris | £50
Amanda
An incredible effort, Ed: many congratulations and well done! Much love from the Sillars Clan xx
Jodie Glen-Martin | £30
Congratulations Ed & Benedict from Jodie @ The Fashion School (Chelsea Quilt Club)
Suzanne Reid | £40
Huge congratulations! Epic!
Ben Rougier | £15
Alex Bailey
Patrick d’Ancona | £50
Dominic Gurney-Champion | £100
What a great cause and an amazing effort. I hope the last marathon is not too painful!
Shian Holt | £30
Laurence Bacon
Good luck to you both and well done for supporting the Olive Branch team - Dirk & Janette
Charlie
Jonathan
Fabulous effort for a great cause. Well done!
Jeanine Zirps | £50
John Trevelyan | £50
Davis Larssen | £50
Great effort and great cause !
Dougie
Well done young man.
John | £50
Incredible effort and I hear superb times. As promised this is thanks to Stuart Broad and the lads… good luck for the last leg.
Tara | £50
Enri | £25
Lisa kimber | £50
Well done Edward. 2 down one to go!
Rachel Hamwee | £20
Peter Drake | £150
Ed - heroic effort! 3x marathons deserves 3x my usual sponsorship amount for a single marathon. Amazing event and incredible pace to do it, based on days 1 and 2!!!
Hunterswood House Penmans Green | £150
Well done Edward! Sarah & Guy Weldon