Empowering Families in Lebanon

UN Information Centre (UNIC) Beirut joined hands with local radio station “Voice of Lebanon” to mark the International Day of Families. Speakers from local NGOs came on to the station’s morning show to talk about partnering with the UN, supporting families, and building a healthy society.

On the show, Sandra Klat, Founder and Director of Bassma, a non-profit association for social development, and Elias Ayoub, Country Director for Right to Play, expressed their appreciation for the partnership with UNIC Beirut, which has deepened the impact of their work.

The two organizations have integrated the UN’s values, particularly as they relate to the UN development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The speakers noted that their work applies directly to Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).

The NGO representatives also touched on the importance of families and family-oriented policies in promoting education and overall well-being. For example, their activities focus on all caregivers in families. They assist mothers, fathers, and children in gaining quality education, dignified work, and healthy lifestyles through building knowledge and skills.

Right to Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. In Lebanon, they target poor local communities as well as Palestinian refugees living in the camps and Syrian refugees hosted in underprivileged areas. Bassma works with similar populations and focuses on fighting poverty and social rehabilitation.

Source: UNDPI - UNIC Lebanon

To learn more about the 2017 International Day of Families, please visit: social.un.org/family | www.un.org/en/events/familyday/