The PWHO supports children’s education in Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut, Lebanon.
Lebanon’s economic and political deterioration since 2019 has hit refugee communities especially hard, with runaway inflation making essential items like food, water, and medicine difficult to afford. The political deadlock continues; despite the May 2022 elections, Lebanon remains without a new president or an active government, amplifying the crisis for refugees. Since 2011, the refugee population has grown as Palestinians and Syrians have sought safety, further overcrowding camps such as Burj el Barajneh, where 40,000 people live in an area of just 250 by 300 meters, with limited access to electricity, water, and sanitation.
Despite these hardships, refugee communities are working to secure a brighter future for their children. The Palestinian Women’s Humanitarian Organization (PWHO), founded by refugee women in Lebanon, has addressed the needs identified by women themselves, including empowerment, primary healthcare for the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, women’s equality education, and early childhood education.
Following the passing of founder Dr. Olfat Mahmoud, PWHO has continued its mission, providing quality early education to 100 young children in Burj el Barajneh, specialised classes for 20 children with disabilities, and after-school support for 60 children with learning challenges in the Shatila and Mar Elias camps. This initiative is more than an educational lifeline; it gives children essential numeracy and literacy skills in Arabic and English, preparing them for primary school and offering 75 mothers the opportunity to pursue work or further education.
The PWHO also addresses broader community needs, thanks to donations from initiatives like the Big Ride for Palestine, which funds safe spaces for children to play sports. During Ramadan, funds provide supplemental nutrition for families in need. Health and education campaigns raise awareness on women’s and children’s rights, with hundreds of women participating in initiatives to prevent domestic and gender-based violence and build coping strategies.
The crisis in Lebanon has only heightened the urgency of PWHO’s work. Today, the organisation is mobiliising emergency aid for camps affected by recent Israeli bombings in Beirut. For example, the Burj el Barajneh camp has been evacuated, with residents relocated to other camps and surrounding areas. You can directly support them in this dire situation through our Emergency Appeal for the Palestinian People in Gaza and Lebanon.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), and the Australian Education Union.