Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has been the epicenter of bloody riots for years, shaking the city and its population. The issue of accommodating internally and externally displaced people—mostly Syrians—exacerbates an already precarious socio-economic situation, where a significant portion of the population struggles to make ends meet.
The explosion that leveled the port of Beirut in August 2020 caused extensive damage within a radius of 24 km: six thousand were injured, and hundreds lost their lives. The collapse of the financial system, the sharp devaluation of the Lebanese lira, and the freezing of bank accounts dealt the final blow to this embattled country.
To cope with this terrible tragedy, Pro Terra Sancta activated an Emergency Center within the complex of the Gemmayzeh convent, reclaiming some abandoned spaces. The project encompasses various social and welfare activities: it deals with the distribution of essential goods such as groceries, clothing, and hygiene kits, reaching approximately 2,500 families, many of which include one or more vulnerable members (children, the elderly, people with disabilities).
Through the Center, we support 407 students in Beirut and Harissa by covering their tuition fees and providing scholarships; many of these students attend primary school, and a significant portion require special assistance due to various disabilities.
