A Legacy of Hope
50 Years of Bold Hope in Lebanon
"A hope born in the midst of conflict and carried through every crisis since."
Because Hope Never Walks Alone
In Lebanon, World Vision’s commitment reflects a simple yet powerful belief:
every child deserves safety, dignity, and a fair chance at life.
Since our start in 1975 during the civil war, we have stood by families through some of the country’s most challenging moments, from the 2006 war to the Syrian refugee crisis, the Beirut port explosion, the COVID 19 pandemic, the economic collapse and the recent escalation of hostilities.
Throughout these chapters, World Vision Lebanon expanded development programmes across the country and worked to provide care, protection and a sense of stability to communities whose lives were shaken.
This is a story shaped by the resilience of communities,
the strength of partnership and a conviction that hope grows when people choose to walk together.
"A hope born in the midst of conflict and carried through every crisis since."
Because Hope Never Walks Alone
In Lebanon, World Vision’s commitment
reflects a simple yet powerful belief:
every child deserves safety,
dignity, and a fair chance at life.
Since our start in 1975 during the civil war, we have stood by families through some of the country’s most challenging moments, from the 2006 war to the Syrian refugee crisis, the Beirut port explosion, the COVID 19 pandemic, the economic collapse and the recent escalation of hostilities.
Throughout these chapters, World Vision Lebanon expanded development programmes across the country and worked to provide care, protection and a sense of stability to communities whose lives were shaken.
This is a story shaped by the resilience of communities,
the strength of partnership and a conviction that hope grows when people choose to walk together.
Fifty Years
at a Glance
Beginnings in Crisis
(1975–1985)
During the early years of conflict in Lebanon’s civil war, World Vision Lebanon began reaching out to communities torn apart by violence, offering relief and support to families facing displacement and loss.
Building Foundations
(1990–2005)
With the return of relative stability, the focus shifted towards long-term development, strengthening community structures, supporting children’s wellbeing, and expanding our presence across Lebanon.
Standing in the Gap
(2006–2007)
During the 2006 war, World Vision stepped in to meet urgent needs, offering shelter, essential supplies, and protection for families caught in hostilities.
Growing with Communities (2009–2010)
World Vision Lebanon expanded its development programming during this period, reaching more areas across the country and working with communities to improve services for children and families.
Responding to Displacement (2011–2019)
As the Syrian crisis unfolded, Lebanon hosted large numbers of displaced families. World Vision expanded its programmes, providing humanitarian assistance, essential services, and protection to both refugees and host communities.
Weathering the Storm (2019–2020)
Amid the economic and financial collapse during the COVID 19 outbreak, World Vision continued to support families facing rising hardship, helping communities cope with inflation, loss of income, and worsening living conditions.
Healing After the Blast
(2020 - 2022)
Following the Beirut port explosion, World Vision helped families recover by providing emergency assistance, repairs, psychosocial support, and a sense of hope after widespread devastation.
Rising Through Escalation
(2023-2025)
With the recent escalation of hostilities, World Vision has been responding swiftly to support displaced families, deliver multi-sector assistance, and stand alongside communities through yet another difficult chapter.
Beginnings in Crisis
(1975–1985)
During the early years of conflict in Lebanon’s civil war, World Vision Lebanon began reaching out to communities torn apart by violence, offering relief and support to families facing displacement and loss.
Building Foundations
(1990–2005)
With the return of relative stability, the focus shifted towards long-term development, strengthening community structures, supporting children’s wellbeing, and expanding our presence across Lebanon.
Standing in the Gap
(2006–2007)
During the 2006 war, World Vision stepped in to meet urgent needs, offering shelter, essential supplies, and protection for families caught in hostilities.
Growing with Communities (2009–2010)
World Vision Lebanon expanded its development programming during this period, reaching more areas across the country and working with communities to improve services for children and families.
Responding to Displacement (2011–2019)
As the Syrian crisis unfolded, Lebanon hosted large numbers of displaced families. World Vision expanded its programmes, providing humanitarian assistance, essential services, and protection to both refugees and host communities.
Weathering the Storm (2019–2020)
Amid the economic and financial collapse during the COVID 19 outbreak, World Vision continued to support families facing rising hardship, helping communities cope with inflation, loss of income, and worsening living conditions.
Healing After the Blast
(2020 - 2022)
Following the Beirut port explosion, World Vision helped families recover by providing emergency assistance, repairs, psychosocial support, and a sense of hope after widespread devastation.
Rising Through Escalation
(2023-2025)
With the recent escalation of hostilities, World Vision has been responding swiftly to support displaced families, deliver multi-sector assistance, and stand alongside communities through yet another difficult chapter.
50 YEARS
IN A VIDEO
A Glimpse
Into Our 50th Anniversary Celebration
Beirut, November 6, 2025
In an atmosphere of hope and gratitude, World Vision Lebanon celebrated its 50th anniversary at a special ceremony held on November 5, 2025, at Beit Beirut, under the theme “50 Years of Bold Hope.”
The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Haneen Sayed, represented by Ms. Abeer Abdel Samad, and was attended by ambassadors, representatives of ministries and official institutions, donors, international organizations, and local partners.
The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, performed by the choir of the Lebanese School for the Blind and Deaf, whose moving rendition touched the hearts of all attendees. This was followed by speeches and testimonies that reflected the organization’s journey and its impact on the lives of children and families over five decades.
In her speech, Ms. Heidi Diedrich, National Director of World Vision in Lebanon, said:
“Fifty years of World Vision in Lebanon are fifty years of bold hope. A hope born in the midst of conflict and carried through every crisis since. Through war and peace, despair and renewal, one truth has remained: Lebanon’s children always deserve light. As we look to the next fifty years, we renew our promise, to stand by every child, serve every family with compassion, and believe, boldly, that hope always finds a way.”
Eleanor Monbiot, Regional Leader for the Middle East and Eastern Europe, added:
“All of us working together as one body seek to ensure that every child is given the best possible start in life, building hope and opportunity so they can reach their God-given potential.”
The event also marked the launch of the global “Enough – بكفي” campaign in Lebanon, with Miss Lebanon 2024, Clinical Psychologist and Campaign Ambassador Nada Koussa, joining hands with World Vision Lebanon to raise awareness on child hunger and malnutrition. In her remarks, Koussa said:
“Hunger doesn’t only hurt the body; it hurts the mind, the soul, and the future. The ‘Enough’ campaign is the voice of every child who goes to bed without dinner, and the voice of every mother who dreams of seeing her child grow up healthy. Today, we are saying: Enough of hunger, enough of deprivation, enough of neglect.”
Charbel, a registered child in World Vision’s long-term development programme, shared:
“I am very happy to be a member of World Vision’s Children Council. We established this council to advocate and let the whole world know that no one is more special than another, for God created us all equal.”
Viviane, a World Vision project participant from Akkar, shared:
“World Vision’s team was always by my side, encouraging me, listening to me, and guiding me. This gave me great energy to continue. Agriculture is not just a profession. It is a way of life and a responsibility.”
The celebration concluded with a visit to the Storytelling Exhibition on the ground floor, showcasing World Vision’s history since 1975 to the present through photos, stories, and voices from the field.
Beirut, November 6, 2025
In an atmosphere of hope and gratitude, World Vision Lebanon celebrated its 50th anniversary at a special ceremony held on November 5, 2025, at Beit Beirut, under the theme “50 Years of Bold Hope.”
The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Haneen Sayed, represented by Ms. Abeer Abdel Samad, and was attended by ambassadors, representatives of ministries and official institutions, donors, international organizations, and local partners.
The ceremony opened with the Lebanese national anthem, performed by the choir of the Lebanese School for the Blind and Deaf, whose moving rendition touched the hearts of all attendees. This was followed by speeches and testimonies that reflected the organization’s journey and its impact on the lives of children and families over five decades.
In her speech, Ms. Heidi Diedrich, National Director of World Vision in Lebanon, said:
“Fifty years of World Vision in Lebanon are fifty years of bold hope. A hope born in the midst of conflict and carried through every crisis since. Through war and peace, despair and renewal, one truth has remained: Lebanon’s children always deserve light. As we look to the next fifty years, we renew our promise, to stand by every child, serve every family with compassion, and believe, boldly, that hope always finds a way.”
Eleanor Monbiot, Regional Leader for the Middle East and Eastern Europe, added:
“All of us working together as one body seek to ensure that every child is given the best possible start in life, building hope and opportunity so they can reach their God-given potential.”
The event also marked the launch of the global “Enough – بكفي” campaign in Lebanon, with Miss Lebanon 2024, Clinical Psychologist and Campaign Ambassador Nada Koussa, joining hands with World Vision Lebanon to raise awareness on child hunger and malnutrition. In her remarks, Koussa said:
“Hunger doesn’t only hurt the body; it hurts the mind, the soul, and the future. The ‘Enough’ campaign is the voice of every child who goes to bed without dinner, and the voice of every mother who dreams of seeing her child grow up healthy. Today, we are saying: Enough of hunger, enough of deprivation, enough of neglect.”
Charbel, a registered child in World Vision’s long-term development programme, shared:
“I am very happy to be a member of World Vision’s Children Council. We established this council to advocate and let the whole world know that no one is more special than another, for God created us all equal.”
Viviane, a World Vision project participant from Akkar, shared:
“World Vision’s team was always by my side, encouraging me, listening to me, and guiding me. This gave me great energy to continue. Agriculture is not just a profession. It is a way of life and a responsibility.”
The celebration concluded with a visit to the Storytelling Exhibition on the ground floor, showcasing World Vision’s history since 1975 to the present through photos, stories, and voices from the field.
Thank You
for walking alongside us
in this journey of hope and service.
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