Karm El Zeitoun, a place of respite for the poor in a Lebanon torn by crisis and conflict

After years of economic crisis and galloping inflation, followed by the deadly explosion of 2020, Lebanon's entry into the Israeli conflict proved to be another traumatic ordeal for the population's morale.

Despite the ceasefire agreed in November 2024, the people are exhausted and crushed by misfortune, but they struggle every day against fear and despondency.

The population is becoming poorer and poorer. The health of the Lebanese is deteriorating due to lack of resources and doctors. Students are prevented from normal schooling due to power cuts, lack of teachers and class closures.

In these times of distress, the presence of the Daughters of Charity is more than ever essential to ensure security, stability and comfort.

At the Karm el Zitoun dispensary, in a poor district of Beirut where they have been based since 1953, the sisters offer medicines, care, hot meals and social assistance, while also investing in children's education. They also reach out to the homeless.

Providing medical care for young mothers and allowing children to continue their education

The Daughters of Charity want to break up unequal systems by carrying out projects that provide for the basic needs of mothers and their children. Women are often the first victims of poverty, inequality, violence and discrimination. Solving their problems also means protecting their children and allowing them to build a better future.

Through this project “Singing tomorrows”, the sisters are committed to allowing 30 children to be supervised by teachers to ensure the continuity of their classes in the evening and to offer medical care to 50 young mothers.

We want to offer children in the neighbourhood evening classes, five times a week. We are able to divide the 30 children in two groups. We also need 2 female teachers.” Sister Rita

« In addition to academic support, we wish to provide gynecological care for 50 women, often young mothers from the neighborhood, with four consultations per year each . After these consultations, they will be offered two additional exams: a mammogram and an ultrasound. » Sister Rita

A big thank you for your support alongside the children and young mothers!