Kfarhay

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Lebanon).

Kfarhay is a village around 40km southwest of Tripoli. It is located in the North Governorate of Lebanon, one of the poorest and most deprived regions in the country. Life for families living here is extremely difficult, with rising costs of living, episodes of violence, a decline in tourism and an economic crisis. In some areas of Tripoli, as many as 60% of residents are poor, with many more at risk of falling into poverty. This region also has one of the highest rates of refugees: one in three people have fled from conflict. Refugees live in overcrowded camps where life is incredibly hard.

Since 1995, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Kfarhay.

9 in 10
Refugees live in poverty

A life of uncertainty

The recent influx of refugees has increased competition in the labour market, resulting in a fall in wages, and an increase in unemployment, affecting both refugee and Lebanese communities alike. Refugees face additional challenges over their legal status in the country, with many unable to obtain work permits. As a result, they work in informal jobs, underpaid and without contracts. Consequently, up to 90% of refugees in Lebanon live below the poverty line. Children who are refugees are at an increased risk of sexual and physical violence, exploitation, disease and malnutrition, and separation from family members.

1 in 3
Girls who are refugees are married early

Violation of girls’ rights

While around 6% of girls in Lebanon are married before their 18th birthday, around 30% of displaced girls aged 15-19 years in Lebanon are married. Marriages are often arranged by families to protect their daughters from sexual abuse within camps and to provide girls with security, as well as to reduce family economic burden. Early marriage violates a girl’s right to health, education, and opportunity. When girls marry young, they miss out on developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need. As a result, girls and their families are more likely to live in poverty and repeat the cycle for another generation.

Your support makes a difference for children in Kfarhay

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
30
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Playing together. Siblings grow up together and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS children’s Villages in Lebanon).

How your support helps in Kfarhay

Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.