ROOTING RESILIENCE: Integrated Package of Essential Accelerating Services to Transform Child Well-being Amid Crises

Children in Lebanon are navigating a perilous landscape marked by compounded crises: economic collapse, refugee influx, COVID-19 aftershocks, and renewed conflict. These shocks have led to rising poverty, malnutrition, school dropouts, and mental health concerns. However, Lebanon also has strong existing policies and programmes—such as the National Nutrition Strategy, General Education Plan, and Social Protection Strategy, including cash transfers through the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) and National Poverty Targeting Programme (NPTP).

This policy brief proposes an integrated package of three essential accelerating services: (1) cash transfers with school-age top-ups, (2) parenting and social behaviour change sessions, and (3) school meals or snacks. These interventions, delivered through strengthened Social Development Centres (SDCs), aim to reduce hunger, mitigate violence, improve school outcomes, and enhance mental health. With coordinated support from the Government of Lebanon, donors, and humanitarian partners, these accelerators can help secure better outcomes for children and address the long-term economic and social costs of inaction.