Recovering from Conflict: What Children in Lebanon Need

Children in Lebanon face a daily struggle. While the November 2024 ceasefire halted the violence that many were experiencing, and the election of a new president has brought a glimmer of hope for government action on the country’s economic and social issues, the challenges and uncertainty remain profound.

Many families are unable to meet basic needs like clothing, or a warm place to sleep. Children are experiencing deep emotional trauma; some are even afraid and triggered by loud noises. The violence they have witnessed and endured is something no child should experience.

And it doesn't end there.

Many children continue to be affected by the psychological distress caused by the conflict and resulting displacement. The multiple protracted crises in Lebanon compounded by the recent conflict limits children’s access to meaningful learning opportunities and support, deprives them from their social networks and negatively affects their psychosocial well-being, and resilience.

Urgent support is still needed so children can begin to heal and return to education.

Lebanon’s Crisis: Children in Urgent Need  

Right To Play has been working in Lebanon since 2006, delivering programs that promote positive educational outcomes, psychosocial well-being, inclusion, and social and emotional skills among children and young people.

At the onset of the war in September 2024, donations to the Children’s Emergency Fund enabled our team to mobilize support for children by:

• Implementing 1500 sports-specific psychosocial support sessions to enhance reliance through play
• Rehabilitating four shelters to create safe, child-friendly environments for children to engage in activities.
• Distributing 1000 play kits to children, providing tools for play-based learning and psychosocial support
• Distributing 1000 non-food item kits, including blankets and hygiene kits, to affected families.

“A remarkable success I observed was the genuine happiness many children expressed about participating in the sessions…several mentioned that the best part of their day was being involved in these activities.” – Right To Play Coach in Barja

Despite the challenges, the potential for positive change is immense. By investing in these children today, we can lay the foundation for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow. As we transition from emergency response to recovery, our focus remains on:

• Expanding mental health support and non-specialized psychosocial support for children and their families.
• Supporting children social and emotional learning across Lebanon.
• Enabling adolescents and youth social inclusion especially in areas most affected by war.

“Children in Lebanon continue to bear the effects of the recent war, with heightened psychosocial distress, risks of violence, and disrupted education jeopardizing their future and well-being. Urgent action is needed to provide mental health and psychosocial support for children and their caregivers; creating safe spaces to restore normalcy and foster connection is essential for their recovery and resilience.” – Racha Nasreddine, Country Director for Right To Play Lebanon.

The Critical Role of Play in Children’s Well-Being

In fragile contexts like Lebanon, where children face daily trauma, emotional support is crucial. Play is a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Engaging in play allows children to:

• Express their feelings in a safe environment;
• Build resilience and coping skills to deal with trauma;
• Strengthen social bonds with peers and family members;
• Regain a sense of control and normalcy amid chaos.

Your donation today can have a significant impact on a child’s life tomorrow. Together, we can help Lebanon’s children overcome the scars of conflict and build a brighter future.