Afel Program
Who We Are
The ASSOCIATION DU FOYER DE L’ENFANT LIBANAIS (AFEL) is a non-profit, non-politically affiliated, non-religious civil association which has been founded in 1976. Since then AFEL has taken care of more than 5000 children, enhancing the daily lives of countless people giving entire generations the means to be autonomous and responsible adults through a unique holistic approach which incorporates the family in the child’s rehabilitation process. We work to be actors of social change by raising social awareness and assisting children facing abuse, delinquency, and learning difficulties equipping them with the tools to protect themselves, become independent, and build resilience, thereby facilitating their insertion into society.
OUR VISION
AFEL has a VISION to:
- Promote children and their rights by raising awareness and fostering public understanding of human rights, particularly through the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Become a national reference in Lebanon in the field of protecting children at risk.
- Be an actor of social change
OUR MISSION
Our MISSION is to ensure the provision of guidance, protection, and INTERVENTION for children facing abuse, delinquency, and challenges in learning and communication. We are committed to offering comprehensive support that encompasses educational enrichment and vocational training, empowering children to develop protective mechanisms, gain independence, build resilience, and acquire essential educational and vocational competencies.
OUR Values
Our organization is guided by the following core values:
1. Child-Centered Approach: AFEL places children at the center of our work. We prioritize their well-being, needs, and rights in all aspects of our programs and services.
2. Non-Discrimination: AFEL is committed to providing equal opportunities and treatment to all children, irrespective of their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or disability. We promote inclusivity and diversity in our services.
3. Child Rights: We firmly uphold and advocate for the rights of every child as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This includes the rights to protection, education, participation, and a safe and nurturing environment.
4. Safety and Protection: AFEL recognizes the paramount importance of ensuring the safety, security, and protection of children. We implement robust child protection measures to prevent and respond to any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
5. Empowerment and Participation: We believe in empowering children to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. We provide opportunities for their voices to be heard, encouraging their active involvement in shaping their own future.
6. Accountability and Responsibility: AFEL takes responsibility for the well-being and development of the children in our care. We are accountable to children, their families, and the wider community, and strive for transparency and ethical conduct in all our actions.
7. Collaboration and Partnership: We recognize the importance of collaboration and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the community. By working together, we can achieve greater impact and promote effective child protection practices.
ASSOCIATION DU FOYER DE L’ENFANT LIBANAIS
The Lebanese Child Home Association
The ASSOCIATION DU FOYER DE L’ENFANT LIBANAIS (AFEL) was established in 1976 as a non-profit organization and officially recognized as a public benefit organization by decree n°3872 in 1987. Initially, it operated four centers in and around Beirut. The first center was an orphanage in Bikfaya, El Metn, founded in 1976. This was followed by centers in Abey in 1977, Sin-El-Fil in 1979, and a school in Bourj-Hammoud in 1988. Currently, only the Sin-El-Fil center and the Bourj-Hammoud school remain operational.
OUR centers
In Sin El Fil, we have established a safe space specifically designed to welcome children at risk after school hours. This safe space serves as a nurturing environment where children facing various challenges can find support and engage in constructive activities. Our dedicated team of professionals provides case management services, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention and support.
Within this safe space, we offer a free of charge range of services aimed at addressing the specific needs of children at risk, including:
- Case Management: Our experienced case managers work closely with each child, conducting assessments, developing individualized care plans, and coordinating services to meet their unique needs. They provide ongoing support, monitor progress, and advocate for the child’s well-being.
- Educational Support: We offer educational support, including homework assistance and academic tutoring, to help children improve their academic performance and reach their full potential. We also provide access to educational resources and materials.
- Recreational and Creative Activities: We organize recreational and creative activities to promote social interaction, emotional well-being, and personal development. These activities may include sports, arts and crafts, music, and drama, fostering creativity, self-expression, and teamwork.
- Life Skills Training: We offer life skills training to equip children with essential practical skills and knowledge. These skills may include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, and conflict resolution, empowering them to navigate challenges and build resilience.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: Our team provides emotional and psychological support through individual and group counseling sessions. We create a safe and confidential space for children to express themselves, process their experiences, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Referrals and Networking: As part of our case management services, we collaborate with other organizations and service providers to ensure that children receive comprehensive support. We make appropriate referrals for specialized services such as healthcare, therapy, legal aid, and social services when needed.
In addition we offer a hot meal prepared by our home cookers, served to all the children under direct supervision and participation of our respective educational team members.
Our School Remedial Center in Bourj-Hammoud, is specifically designed to support students between the ages of 6 and 15 who are facing learning disabilities and living in challenging social conditions. These difficulties often hinder their ability to attend regular schools. Our center provides a specialized educational environment that addresses their unique needs.
In this school, we offer a range of services to enhance their academic, social, and emotional development. These services include:
- Adapted Educational System: We have tailored our educational system to accommodate the learning styles and needs of each student. Our experienced educators employ specialized teaching techniques and individualized learning plans to promote academic progress and success.
- Speech Therapy: Students with communication difficulties receive speech therapy sessions to improve their language skills and enhance their ability to express themselves effectively.
- Psychomotor and Psychological Support: Our center provides psychomotor activities to help develop motor skills and coordination. Additionally, we offer psychological support to address emotional and behavioral challenges that may impact the students’ learning abilities.
- Extracurricular Activities: We organize extracurricular activities that aim to enlarge the students’ horizons and develop their talents and interests. These activities may include arts and crafts, sports, music, and cultural outings.
- At regular intervals the children divided into groups of classes enjoy breaks in the dedicated playground of the school under supervision of their educators.
- Regular sport sessions are provided to the children by a dedicated sport educator.
- A nutritive breakfast is also offered to the children divided into two groups of ages.
The center is staffed with a team of dedicated professionals, including educational specialists, social workers, and Psychotherapist, Speech therapist and Psychomotor therapist. They work collaboratively to support the students’ academic and emotional progress and provide social guidance.
It is important to note that the services offered at the Center for School Tutoring in Bourj-Hammoud are provided free of charge. Our aim is to ensure that children with learning disabilities, who are also facing difficult social conditions, have access to specialized support and educational opportunities to help them thrive and prepare for the challenges of the outside world.
The work at AFEL is not limited to children alone, but also extends to their parents to achieve better results. We recognize the importance of involving parents in the process of supporting children with learning difficulties, as their active participation and support greatly contribute to the child’s overall development and progress.
