World Vision and Nabaa children aim to transform their city

Children, along with World Vision in Lebanon, are transforming Nabaa, one of the most vulnerable districts in Beirut into an area that is friendly for children. 

Under the torrential rain, which lasted nearly all day long, on the stage installed at the beginning of the street, youth performed traditional dances, singing songs celebrating their city, or acting in a play. Their eyes were shining; they were filled with hope for a better future, for a better city.

Hundreds of children from all over the capital Beirut attended World Vision in Lebanon’s child friendly street event in Nabaa area where they enjoyed: environmental plays, educational games, songs and dancing while receiving information that raised their awareness about environmental issues and nature in a fun and meaningful way.

“Today, I learned how to take care of my environment and to avoid littering in the streets of my city,” says Ali, 13, one of the children who participated in the event.

Participants in the child friendly street learned how to protect themselves from well-known dangers, such as fires, earthquakes and volcano eruptions all while enjoying music, dances, and entertainment. World Vision’s community resilience project’s stand encompassed educational games and gifts for winners.

They also communicated their questions to World Vision’s health project coordinator who gave them instructions and advice around healthy diets, behaviors and hygiene. Besides, children had a stop at the education and life skills’ stand to learn more about their life skills and how to enhance them.

“Today’s event is only the beginning and the launching of the child friendly street project,” says Elias Ayoub, Beirut area manager. It will be followed by: cleaning campaigns carried out by residents and children during the weekends; awareness campaigns on hygiene and environment; painting on walls (especially on the water tower); campaigns to remove electrical wires, and [the] restoration of sidewalks. The project starts in this street--in Jameh Farhat Street--but will be extended to all Nabaa streets.”

Nabaa is situated in the eastern side of Beirut. It is known for its high rate of poverty, unemployment, and for its ethnic and sectarian diversity (Nabaa’s Lebanese population are of 18 religious denominations, not to forget Syrians finding refuge in it), causing clashes and tensions between inhabitants. School drop-out rates are very high in Nabaa, and child labor as well. Besides, over population causes environmental problems and bad waste management. World Vision strives to impact Nabaa, environmentally, socially and educationally wise.

In addition to the health, life skills and disasters risk reduction information, Lilian, 14, learned about the importance of nature. “We should take care of the nature, of our forests, and of our city. Wasted nature is irreplaceable,” she says.

"The project aroused out of Nabaa’s children and youth’s needs. They had this extreme desire to bring about a change in their area and turn it into a safe place for them and for their peers. World Vision seized their initiative providing necessary guidance and assistance," Elias adds. "World Vision and youth are impulsively involved together to make the required change until the end of the project,” he affirms.

“It is an exciting project,” says Maha, one of the parents attending the event along with her two boys. “From now on, our children will live and play in an environmentally safe city, instead of one where garbage and dirt are spread everywhere. We are delighted with World Vision’s presence in our area and with all the changes it is making,” she adds.