Jess came on board to Salam as our well being co-ordinator but has also been busy becoming involved in FSL, ESL and Dabke classes at our Community Centre.
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Bjørn came to the Beqaa with previous involvement at Salam Norway and was interested in experiencing the field work happening on the ground. This is his reflection on his 1 month volunteering.
Valentine arrived at Salam with previous experience volunteering in Lebanon, hear how she was involved in the Beqaa and how her experience has been in contrast.
Richard’s involvement at Salam far exceeded his initial expectations. Volunteering for 8 months, he has played a big role in championing distribution, sports and green roof projects.
Opened in 2022, the Olive Branch is Salam LADC’s Beirut center, located between the diverse and disadvantaged neighborhoods of Sin El Fil and Nabaa. This inclusive community hub was established to address the lack of a safe public space, as expressed by local stakeholders. With tensions between refugee and host populations at an all-time high in Lebanon, the Olive Branch is is locally-led and actively fostering inter-community relationships and empowering over 150 individuals living in poverty. We encourage positive dialogue and relations through educational activities, psycotherapy support and an open social safe space. At The Olive Branch we welcome everyone, regardless of nationality, gender, or religion, to participate in our educational activities and social space. Our goal is to directly involve local residents in the center, to foster a sense of belonging, and create an active community where relationships can flourish despite religious and national differences.
Our Activities
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The Olive Branch offers a variety of educational activities, including English as a second language, Arabic literacy classes, and homework support.
Led by locals and supported by a team of international volunteers, these activities are free and unrestricted. A demonstration of the effectiveness of this endeavor is the recent proactive move towards organizing student-led classes, with the most advanced students dedicating one hour per week to this initiative.
Working in an area of Beirut with high levels of extreme poverty, these activities provide vital skills to local children, youth, and adults who face limited opportunities for formal education and training.
Social Space
The Olive Branch was founded in response to the local stakeholders’ desire for a forum where frequently segregated communities can interact in a safe environment. To achieve this objective, the Olive Branch Social Space has implemented a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, cinema nights, talent shows, discussion sessions in english – Coffe&Chats, and community dinners. Led by local and international volunteers, these events have been immensely popular with local youth and adults.
Psychotherapy
In collaboration with a local NGO Al Najat Village, we offer individual and group therapy sessions to teenagers and adults, along with hosting workshops to address social issues such as bullying. We believe that an individual healing experience can lead to a better intercommunal understanding and a decrease in social tension.
Vocational Training
Together with CG-Funds, we provide IT skill classes taught by a professional IT teacher. In a 12-week course, the community members are able to improve their proficiency in Microsoft Office and other soft skills, in order to increase their chances in the embattled Lebanese job market.
Testimonials
♥ Nothing we do would be possible without the help of our many wonderful volunteers. Become part of this meaningful project and sign up to volunteer today!
South Lebanon
In Kawkaba, the town where Salam was founded, Salam LADC runs a greenhouse that is open to families to plant, tend and harvest their crops together. They can choose whether to sell what they grow for profit or to keep it for personal consumption.
In January 2022, we began our first cycle of Dabke classes – a traditional group dance performed at weddings and events, popular throughout the Levant.
In a mass displacement situation health awareness is very important as a preventative tool. It is used to counter misconceptions and to avoid disease and outbreaks due to poor water and sanitation infrastructure…
This project gives people the chance to document their personal experiences of living in the Bekaa Valley, giving them a platform to share their stories with the wider world.
These classes present an opportunity for children, to express their emotions via creative outlets such as painting, drawing, and crafting.