Between the blast on August 4th in Beirut, the frightening economic situation in Lebanon and the Covid-19 pandemic, it is getting harder and harder for parents to provide their children with basic school supplies . The academic year 2020-2021 may be the toughest year yet, financially speaking, for parents and schools in recent memory. That is why a group of Lebanese-American citizens got together to create the fundraiser  Backpacks for Beirut Schoolchildren.

The backstory:

The future of thousands of Lebanese students is at stake due to the economic crunch facing Lebanon. The reality is that many parents have barely been able to afford their children’s tuition fees for several years now, as the economic situation here has gradually declined.

In collaboration with a renowned stationary store in Lebanon, Librairie Madi, we aim to distribute for free at least 500 backpacks to children in difficult economic situations. Each parcel will include: a backpack, 6 notebooks, a pencil case, different pens, an eraser, a pencil sharpener, a geometry set with a drawing compass. The distribution will take place at the end of October 2020.

The cost of each parcel is $30.

The vision:

Your donation will go directly to families in need, through renown Lebanese NGOs:  AFEL and SOS Children’s Village in Lebanon

“In the grip of these economic and coronavirus crises, it is difficult to make any solid plans for the future of anything, let alone the future of private education in Lebanon, which has been struggling financially for the past several years. Yet, if the situation continues as is without intervention, Lebanon would be in danger of losing one of its main assets and most successful exports: the brains of its well-educated citizens. The country would also be losing whatever chance it has left to rise out of the economic crisis and build a better nation for the next generation—without schools that teach students not only 21st century skills but also citizenship and tolerance, what hope is there for Lebanon?” - Nabila Rahal

Why your support matters:

Because we strongly believe that education is the best weapon against poverty. It is probably the most important tool to change one's life. Education provides stability in life, and it's something that no one can ever take away from you. Help us provide this to Lebanon’s children - don’t let missing supplies block them from their education!

Please take a moment to share this page with friends and family so that we can achieve our goal! Thank you!