LEBANON: Children in Crisis Relief through Books in Lebanon

The Lebanese Board on Books for Young People (LBBY) is currently working on a relief project to support displaced Lebanese children and refugee children from Palestine and Syria, in collaboration with Book Aid International, caused by the bombings and destruction in southern Lebanon and Gaza.
 
Training sessions, conducted for approximately 180 volunteers, focused on storytelling techniques, the principles of bibliotherapy, and addressing the impact of war and displacement on children, with the support of professional psychologists and educators.
 
Out of the trained volunteers, 130 university students, mostly specializing in psychology and social work, have expressed their interest in participating. We are in the process of preparing 130 packages, each containing the following:

• A label with the logos of LBBY and Book Aid International
• 10 Arabic books from 5 different publishers, covering various subjects (fun topics, cleanliness, emotional well-being, general knowledge, and realistic fiction)
• 10 English books donated by Book Aid International
• 5 sets of colored pencils
• 5 sketch pads
• 1 ream of paper
• 1 box of pencils

 
Additionally, a summary of the online training will be shared by the volunteers to guide their activities. We have also created a WhatsApp group to facilitate communication and collaboration among the team members as we move forward. Currently, we are finalizing the packaging of these items into boxes. Once ready, we will distribute them either through couriers or by delivery personnel, depending on the logistics in each area.
 
In a time when many feel helpless, providing tools and small-scale training can enable volunteers to support the children in their own communities. We made sure to follow the social work principles of empowerment, focusing on the strengths and resilience of our communities.
 
Due to the current crisis, local publishers, despite being closed, have kindly opened their doors to allow us to collect the necessary books.
For safety reasons, each volunteer will be assigned to work at locations near their homes, as it is too dangerous to travel. Assabil, an NGO dedicated to promoting reading, is also sending four professional storytellers to conduct activities with the children. These storytellers will train our volunteers in Beirut before heading out to work alongside them.
 
While the budget provided by Book Aid International is helpful, we desperately need additional funding to expand our reach and serve more children. Despite the war and bombings, LBBY remains committed to helping as many children as possible under these difficult conditions, leveraging the power of community to provide hope and support.
 
Contributions are greatly appreciated for our children in crisis in Lebanon!