Lebanon

Since 2018 we’ve put on

430

play sessions in Lebanon,

sharing more than

35,387

smiles with children in need.

Our work with children in Lebanon

We first visited Lebanon in 2018, to bring laughter and play relief to children who’d fled the Syrian civil war, and to children in the camps and settlements that are home to the estimated 248,000 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon.

Many young people in these communities are growing up surrounded by uncertainty and insecurity and often experience extreme poverty. Poverty and child labour are among the obstacles that these children face in accessing education and opportunities for creative, cultural and social development.

Since our first visit in 2018 we’ve run a further three projects in Lebanon. Although we had to pause our work in Lebanon in 2024, due to the escalating conflict that preceded the Israeli invasion in October that year, we have plans to return as soon as the security situation allows us to.

The difference it makes

Many refugee children have lost their right to a proper childhood with play and laughter. Thank you to The Flying Seagull Project for bringing much joy and laughter to refugee children in Lebanon.

UNHCR Lebanon

During the follow up visit of the field monitors, Samira, 12-years-old, residing in Mrouj public high school, reported that the day when the show took place was one of the best days of her life … Women from several sites were asking if it is possible to conduct the show on a weekly basis.

Josiane Jbeily, CSMC Coordinator with Intersos in Lebanon

The highlight of the show was that the entertainers were able to include children with mental and physical disabilities in various types of activities; this made the children very thrilled as they actively participated similarly to their siblings and friends. Moreover, the types of activities conducted were unique to the children which made them excited and enthusiastic.

During the follow up visit of the field monitors, Samira, 12-years-old, residing in Mrouj public high school, reported that the day when the show took place was one of the best days of her life.

The show did not only target children; the activities were also suitable for adults which helped them relieve the stress that builds up from their everyday problems. Women from several sites were asking if it is possible to conduct the show on a weekly basis.

Josiane Jbeily – CSMC Coordinator with Intersos in Lebanon

“We have been receiving lots of gratitude from the women at the centre about the impact the Flying Seagulls had on their kids. A lot of the kids that come to our centre have a range of abilities. The women have explained that they struggle to support their range of needs. The Flying Seagulls made it possible for their kids to feel empowered, important, and that they are capable.

“On this day, we saw our very quiet and timid kids have a new sense of wonder and confidence that we haven’t seen before. We saw our kids with disabilities have surprised faces by being able to do the activities that they didn’t think they could do. We saw the staff, volunteers, and women overwhelmed with emotions of happiness and gratitude for the effort of meaningful inclusion and participation of every kid.

“We are truly grateful for the efforts and compassion shown by the Flying Seagulls. There was so much laughter and love that filled the centre this day. Thank you again, Flying Seagulls!”

Thea — Circle of Wellbeing