In order to promote the concept of protection and safety among children, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, implemented awareness sessions targeting students in several private primary schools in Damascus and Rural Damascus.

The sessions focused on raising children’s awareness on personal protection concepts, sexual exploitation and harassment, and empowering them to distinguish between safe and unsafe behaviors. They also aimed to strengthen children’s ability to express themselves, respect the privacy and dignity of others, and understand the importance of speaking up and seeking help when exposed to any inappropriate behavior, without fear.

Based on the important role of the family in building society, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, continues to implement psychosocial and awareness raising programs that aim to strengthen positive parenting skills and effective communication between parents and children.

Within this framework, MECC team organized five- day educational awareness sessions as part of the Safe Family Program for caregivers of the students previously targeted in 9th grade remedial classes in the city of Jaramana and its surrounding areas.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

Solidarity with Displaced Families and Hosting Shelters

Based on the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’ commitment to follow up on the field the humanitarian response in Lebanon amidst the repercussions of the war in the country, the team of the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office made field visits to the Municipality and to the Melkite Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Prophet Elijah – the Episcopal Vicariate in of Deir El Qamar.

These visits aimed to assess displacement situations and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs of affected families, as well as to distribute vouchers to internally displaced people in Deir El-Qamar and deliver first aid kits to collective shelters and displaced communities.

Distribution of First Aid Kits to Collective Shelters in Lebanon

As part of strengthening emergency preparedness and support frontline community response efforts, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) distributed 216 first aid kits to municipalities across Tyre, Saida, and Marjeyoun Districts as well as collective shelters hosting IDP’s in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, namely Deir El Amar, Ajaltoun, Rabwe and Rawshe/Lebanese University.

The kits were provided to areas hosting displaced families, collective shelters, and villages facing challenges in accessing healthcare services and medical supplies. In many of these communities, municipalities and local actors remain the first point of support during emergencies and periods of instability.

In a powerful act of solidarity with the people of South Lebanon, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach villages of Marjeyoun District, where communities continue to endure isolation, uncertainty, and limited access to essential services.

With the generous support of Tearfund, Danmission, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Church of Scotland, and in coordination with the Lebanese Army, the convoy delivered 595 hygiene kits and 1,040 food kits to vulnerable families in Bourj El Moulouk, Kleyaa, Jdeidet Marjeyoun, and Ibl El Saki.

This convoy was not merely about aid. But it represented presence in times when people feel forgotten, dignity when hardship becomes part of daily life, and a reminder to every family in the South that they are not alone.

In-Kind and Relief Assistance Alleviating the Burden of Crises

Amidst the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is passing through as a result of the war’s repercussions in the country, the will to live remains stronger, and the commitment to hope remains a light, strength, and consolation despite all challenges. In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched in response to the humanitarian situations in Lebanon, in order to heal the wounds of the neediest people and stand by their side.

In light of these events, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches worked to secure and distribute new assistance to support displaced families and collective shelters in various Lebanese regions.

On one hand, the Diakonia Department provided cleaning kits to a shelter in Ajaltoun serving around 280 people, as well as to another shelter at St. Joseph Church in Beirut serving more than 250 people.

On the other hand, diesel was distributed to collective shelters in Tyre, in order to ensure the continuity of essential services for displaced communities, improve living conditions inside shelters, and reduce pressure on municipalities.

From Beirut to the villages of Marjeyoun district, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues to stand beside vulnerable communities in South Lebanon through the organization of humanitarian convoys reaching hard-to-reach areas with essential assistance.

While many roads in South Lebanon remain difficult and communities continue to endure isolation and uncertainty, MECC continues its commitment to stand beside the people who chose to remain in their villages despite all challenges.

Today, MECC is organizing a humanitarian convoy to the hard-to-reach areas of Marjeyoun district, carrying basic assistance to families living with limited access to essential services and daily needs.

Under the title “Service with Dignity,” Safadi Foundation, in collaboration with MECC-the Middle East Council of Churches and with the support of Danmission, launched two training courses in digital skills and light construction work at Safadi Center for Rural Development in Deir Dalloum, Akkar. This initiative aims to equip young men and women with the necessary skills and provide them with a paid three-month training program, helping them secure job opportunities that enable them to ensure a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.

In-kind and Cash Assistance for the Most Vulnerable Families in Syria

The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Damascus distributed food baskets, hygiene kits, and cash assistance to 272 of the most vulnerable families in the city, in cooperation with the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office.

MECC continues to implement projects supporting local community associations, with the aim of strengthening their role in serving society and empowering the most vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of partnership in serving humanity and promoting human dignity.

In-Kind Assistance Contributes to Supporting Displaced People in Lebanon

Amidst the escalating daily challenges in Lebanon resulting from the repercussions of the war that has cast its shadow over the country, the human cause remains a priority above all other issues. Therefore, it has become essential to continue supporting and accompanying the neediest people in order to sow hope in their hearts, especially since the will to live remains the strongest.

In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its “Light of Hope” campaign, which it launched with the aim of supporting the affected people by the war and helping them overcome the hardships surrounding them with great hope.

As part of the latest developments in the MECC work, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office distributed multi-purpose cash assistance to 820 families, averaging 3 individuals per family, reaching a total of 2,460 individuals. This activity was directly carried out with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs – per their policy and procedure to include lists of internally displaced people (IDPs) families.

Conducting a Field Assessment for the Displaced People’s Conditions in a Shelter in Beirut

As part of following up on the conditions of displaced people in Lebanon who are suffering from the repercussions of the war, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) was selected as a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) actor to conduct a GBV Safety Audit at St. Joseph Shelter in Ashrafieh - Beirut, which hosts around 280 residents.

In coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the GBV sector, and following the MoSA’s authorization for Protection (PRT), GBV, and Child Protection (CP) partners to implement such audits in collective shelters, MECC proceeded with the visit and conducted the assessment on site.

A Joint Online Webinar Organized by the World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches

Secretary General Professor Michel Abs: “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held an online Joint webinar entitled “Role of the Church in Times of War: A Diaconal Response in the Middle East,” with the participation of representatives from Church-based humanitarian organizations and actors engaged in relief and humanitarian work in the region.

The webinar was moderated by the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs, who delivered an opening word. He noted that, “A diaconal Church does not wait for peace before acting. It creates small signs of peace in the middle of war. It lights candles where there is darkness. It breaks bread where there is hunger. It listens where there is pain. It reminds every person, whatever their religion or background, that they are not abandoned. This is the Church’s calling: to be the presence of Christ among the wounded people of the Middle East.”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, continues to implement projects that support local and community-based associations, aiming to strengthen their role in serving society and empowering the most vulnerable groups.

In this context, and under the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Youssef Al-Absi, Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), together with Father Youhanna Boutros, spiritual guide of Iman and Nour Syria, and in the presence of MECC, the “Iman and Nour” workshop for the production of dairy products was inaugurated and consecrated in the Al-Midan area of Damascus. The workshop is dedicated to supporting families in Damascus and its countryside.

This achievement comes as a result of concerted efforts and faith in the abilities of individuals, with the support of MECC and the Don Bosco Center, reaffirming the importance of partnership in serving humanity and promoting human dignity.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance health awareness among students, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria’s Office, in cooperation with the “Danmission” organization, implemented a hygiene promotion activity for students on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and handwashing to prevent diseases. The activity took place in three schools in Dara’a Governorate.

The activity included an introductory session highlighting the importance of personal hygiene in disease prevention, particularly proper handwashing with water and soap, as handwashing is considered the first line of defense and one of the most effective ways to protect individuals from diseases such as hepatitis, respiratory illnesses, and others.

Students also learned about the key times when they should wash their hands, in addition to the importance of maintaining cleanliness at school and at home. They were encouraged to bathe regularly, trim their nails, and use tissues when sneezing or coughing, among other personal hygiene practices.

An Initiative Reaching 80 Families in Damascus and Rural Damascus

Amid the pressures of daily life responsibilities, women often forget to give themselves a moment of care for their psychological well-being. As women are the cornerstone of the family and a key element in building a healthy and balanced society, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Syria Office, organized health awareness and psychosocial support sessions for women.

Twenty women from Damascus and its countryside participated in these sessions.

The six-day training witnessed strong engagement from the participants, who were eager to gain medical knowledge about various diseases and healthy nutrition practices.

These sessions aimed to empower women to better understand their physical and psychological needs and equip them with the necessary tools to improve their quality of life, positively impacting their families and communities.

The psychosocial support sessions also provided valuable insights that helped participants adjust their behavior within their families and increased their awareness of the importance of self-care, thereby enhancing their ability to care for their loved ones.

In response to the urgent humanitarian conditions in Lebanon, and within the framework of the “Light of Hope” initiative it has launched, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), through its Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office, continues its relief work on various field, material, and psychosocial levels, in order to support those affected by the war and provide assistance.

As part of its in-kind assistance, the Middle East Council of Churches contributes to accompanying displaced families psychologically and morally, with the aim of instilling hope in their hearts and reducing social issues that may arise from daily pressures.

In this context, MECC implemented awareness sessions on gender-based violence (GBV) at the collective shelter in Achrafieh, at Saint Joseph Church, benefiting 45 displaced women and girls, alongside a recreational activity for children. This intervention was supported by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) organization in response to the protection needs of displaced populations.

As part of the “Light of Hope” initiative launched by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in response to the repercussions of the war in Lebanon, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, distributed diesel to collective shelters and municipalities in the South, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon. This intervention aided displaced populations and responded to urgent needs related to electricity and basic service provision. It was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and aimed to help maintain essential operations in sites hosting displaced families.

The provision of diesel contributed to powering generators used for lighting, water pumping, and other critical services, supporting adequate living conditions within shelters and easing pressure on municipalities managing high numbers of displaced individuals.

While the humanitarian circumstances in Lebanon continues to worsen daily due to the repercussions of the war, which has led to the displacement of many families across the country, the will to live remains stronger, and the determination of the Lebanese people to persevere continues to be the greatest motivation to face all challenges.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched the “Light of Hope” initiative in response to the humanitarian situations in Lebanon and continues its field support for the most affected families, in order to help them overcome life’s hardships with hope.

As part of the assistance provided to displaced persons, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, distributed water bottles to 1,400 beneficiaries across several locations, including two collective shelters. This intervention was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH) in response to the ongoing needs of families affected by displacement and to enhance access to safe drinking water.

Amidst the difficult circumstances that the people of Lebanon are facing due to the repercussions of the war that have heavily burdened them, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) continues its relief and field work to ease the suffering of the most vulnerable and affected. This comes within the framework of the “Light of Hope” initiative, which MECC launched in response to the challenging humanitarian situations in the country.

In this context, the MECC Diakonia and Social Service Department, Lebanon’s Office, continues to distribute in-kind assistance to meet urgent needs, particularly in collective shelters that have received large numbers of displaced people.

Recently, winter blankets were distributed to 700 beneficiaries from displaced families across several locations, both inside and outside collective shelters. This intervention was supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hannover (ELCH), with the aim of assisting families affected by displacement and helping them overcome the daily challenges that they surround them.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

As part of its capacity-building and skills development efforts, the Media Team and the Diakonia Team, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in an online training organized by ABAAD organization on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). The course aimed to promote safe working environments and human rights accountability.

Participants were also staff working in humanitarian and social organizations, who enhanced their knowledge and skills in identifying the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse and understanding prevention mechanisms.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has launched "Light of Hope," a new bulletin series dedicated to documenting the ongoing ordeal in the Middle East, with a primary focus on the catastrophic situation in Lebanon. This publication serves as a "cry" for the people of the Antiochian Levant who have endured decades of pain.

Report from the Diakonia Department at the Middle East Council of Churches