Restoring Promise: Key Milestones in Healing Lebanon’s Children (June – Dec.)

The ongoing escalation of violence in Lebanon has left countless children and families displaced and suffering from profound psychological trauma. To address this critical need, the LIPPA Foundation, in partnership with CCN and DCI has launched a vital initiative providing trauma-informed mental health services to those affected. This comprehensive program delivers structured therapy alongside essential caregiver support, helping children begin the difficult but necessary journey toward recovery. While full outcomes are still being measured, our dedicated therapists are already reporting encouraging early progress in emotional stabilization and engagement. 

Key Figures and Early Impact

• 100+ therapy sessions have already been delivered.
• 38 out of 72 target children (ages 6–14) have started weekly therapy.
• 34 caregivers are actively participating in psychoeducational support groups.

Therapists report encouraging progress, including improved sleep and reduced anxiety in the children.

Learning on the Fly: How We Adapted and Ensured Assistance

The project initially faced two main obstacles in delivering effective support:

• Accepting Trauma: The primary challenge was that parents failed to recognize symptoms (like anger or silence) as trauma responses. This was solved through intensive psychoeducation, helping caregivers understand and respond to their children with greater empathy.

“I used to ignore my daughter’s crying. Now I hold her hand and ask what she feels. It’s a small thing, but it changes everything,” Mother from the Group Sessions.

• Continuity of Care: Absences due to transportation issues and crisis duties were common. The solution was implementing flexible scheduling and mobile sessions to ensure uninterrupted therapeutic support for the families.

 Nabil’s story of Hope

Nabil was displaced from South Lebanon to the suburbs of Beirut after the latest escalation of war. The boy struggled with anger and a deep sense of unsafety. His reading and writing abilities were far below grade level, and he was often ridiculed by peers, and at times even by teachers. Through therapy, he learned anger management tools, while his parents learned to create an emotionally safer home. A crucial turning point came with the discovery of his talent for football.

“He transformed on the field. It was the first time the other boys looked up to him, ” said Rana the Field Coordinator at Bourj al Barajneh center.

This leadership role on the field helped him restore his self-worth and feel seen, accelerating his recovery.

Support the Restoration of Childhood

This  project shows exceptionally promising early progress in rebuilding emotional safety for children and empowering caregivers. Though recovery is gradual, the active involvement and results achieved establish a strong foundation for comprehensive and lasting healing. Continued support is vital to ensure this crucial work secures a brighter future for every child.