1for3 - Lebanon
1for3 is supporting health, education, and environment programs on the community level. We aim to advance hope in South Lebanon. The unfortunate yet common themes of war, occupation, and repeated displacement make our expansion into Lebanon a natural next step. Our successful experience in Palestine despite the major disruptions and conflict there has given us the confidence to start our work in South Lebanon. We chose this area for a number of reasons, primarily because the people of South Lebanon have asked us to. Our base is in Marjayoun close to the Israeli border. The people in the surrounding villages are religiously mixed, covering the main Lebanese sects. Our work is currently focused in Qlaya’a, Burj el Mulouk, Marjayoun, Dibbin, Blat, Bwaydah, and Ibl el Saqi. Our support means that the locals can remain steadfast in their resistance on their land and most importantly not become refugees. We support the local villagers in 3 ways: Health, Education, and the Environment.
Health for Lebanon
Led by 1for3’s International Medical Director, Dr. Henry Louis and H4P’s co-founder, Dr. Bram Wispelwey, the Community Health Workers (CHW) have surveyed people from 7 villages to find out their specific health needs. Based on these comprehensive surveys, the CHW are visiting patients and already seeing results. Our work in Palestine has taught us that simple home visits with sincere, consistent care is the best way to effect change in chronic health situations. The team checks vitals, sugar levels, medications, etc to make sure everything is being monitored. The team also checks in with parents whose children are suffering the effects of PTSD and offers guidance and support. Women’s health is another area of health that the team is addressing.
Most doctors who once served the south have left the area, leaving a noticeable void. Medical care is limited, scarce, and extremely expensive. Our CHW are filling a vital need and are appreciated by the villagers they serve.
Henry Louis, MD
Bram Wispelwey, MD
Education
In collaboration with Babson College in Boston, MA, seven teachers from three high schools (Shouf National College in Baakline, Collège des Sœurs de Saint-Cœurs Marjayoun and Marjayoun National College) are participating in a 6 week course in Entrepreneurship. Babson College is recognized as the #1 school for Entrepreneurship in the US. Upon completion of the course, the teachers will be certified to teach Entrepreneurship to Baccalaureate 1 & 2 (Grade 12 & 13) students. With this unique opportunity, the students and teachers have the chance to create a ripple effect using the tools to remain steadfast in the south.
Environment
With experts and volunteers in Environmental Science, we are assisting local farmers with their environmental needs. Their lands, which support their livelihoods and well-being have been subjected to repeated shelling and illegal use of phosphorous bombs. The contamination of water and soil has numerous, untold short and long-term effects, but we will assist in these remediation efforts and support. A pilot program which addresses the above by focusing on research in collaboration with Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, and assist local farmers in planting unfarmed lands to support the Health for Lebanon program by providing nutritious foods plus to help the many farmers who are unable to reach their lands due to security or contamination issues.
Ghayth George Maalouf