Beirut Explosion - Children and Families in Crisis

On August 4th massive explosions erupted in Beirut, Lebanon, damaging buildings, hospitals and destroying more than half of the city. The blasts are reported to have killed at least 137 people, left thousands injured, many missing, over 300,000 displaced from their homes and countless children separated from their parents.

The explosions come at a time when much of the population was already struggling amid political, economic, health and refugee crises.

For the better part of a year, disaster has been layered upon disaster in Lebanon. The country has been facing economic unrest, teetering on the edge of collapse - all while trying to curb the spread of the coronavirus, suffering social unrest with nationwide protests demanding government reform, coping with the influx of Syrian refugees, and now new hardships brought on by the explosions.

Millions have been pushed into poverty by this perfect storm of challenges leaving close to half of the population no longer able to afford basic necessities.

In situations like these children are the most vulnerable and SOS Children’s Villages is there to help. In times of crisis SOS protects vulnerable children in chaos and works with families to achieve recovery and rebuild communities.

With Lebanon approaching its breaking point, vulnerable children and families in Lebanon need your help more than ever.

SOS Children’s Villages in Lebanon is working to support affected children and their families to ensure no one is left behind through the following activities:

• Distribution of Food supplies and hygiene kits to vulnerable families
• Alternative family-based care for children who have lost their parents
• Income generating support for families rebuilding livelihoods
• Psychosocial support and community crisis counselling for those affected
• Debris clearance efforts and reparation of homes and schools damaged in the explosions
• Providing education materials to support continued learning during the crisis
• Family reunification support to reconnect unaccompanied children separated by the blasts with their family
• Creating Child Friendly Spaces, environments where unaccompanied children can play, learn thrive and regain a sense of normalcy in difficult times.

If you wish to help those suffering and in need, please donate now.