Karim’s Story: Finding Strength Beyond the Ring
War and displacement had already taken so much from Karim before boxing gave him a way to fight back. In Lebanon, years of conflict and instability have forced families to move again and again, leaving children without the routines, friendships, and sense of safety they need to grow. Karim knows this reality well. His family was displaced several times, and with every move, another piece of stability disappeared. At school, things became even harder. Karim was bullied for what he lacked, withdrew from classmates, and carried fear, frustration, and shame in silence. Like many children affected by conflict, he was not only living through instability around him, but also through the emotional weight it left behind.
Where Everything Started to Change
Everything began to change when Karim joined a safe space run by Connect Children Now, supported by LIPPA in partnership with Defence for Children International. These safe spaces are designed for children affected by conflict and displacement. They provide structured group activities, psychosocial support, and a stable environment where children can begin to rebuild emotional security, self-worth, and connection with others. Through guided support, children are helped to understand their emotions, express what they feel, and reconnect with others in a safe and supportive way. For Karim, this space became a turning point.
Finding Strength Through Boxing
Through these activities and the support he received, Karim slowly began to open up. He started reconnecting with other children and finding ways to express what he had been holding inside. Sport became one of those ways. Through boxing, Karim discovered discipline, focus, and a new sense of strength. What began as a way to release tension became something more — a path towards rebuilding confidence. He didn’t just participate. He pushed himself further, and eventually entered a boxing competition, where he won first place.
More Than a Victory
The medal was not the greatest victory. The real victory was that Karim regained confidence, resilience, and hope for the future. He found his way back to himself.
Karim’s story is one of many. Across Lebanon, children continue to grow up in conditions shaped by conflict, displacement, and uncertainty. What they need is not only material support, but also safe spaces where they can process their experiences, regain stability, and simply be children again. Together with our partners Connect Children Now and Defence for Children International, LIPPA supports programmes that provide exactly that — safe spaces and specialised psychosocial care for children affected by crisis.
Disclaimer: The name and image have been changed to protect the child’s identity.
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