Nina Hallak: “The Diakonia Department is for Humans and Our Goal is to Preserve Their Dignity”

It is the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which deals with Ecclesiastical, humanitarian and social issues. Since its foundation in 1974, MECC has worked to strengthen the Church’s mission and highlight its pioneering Ecumenical role at all levels, and has proven that the Church is for Man.

Yes, it is the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which works with non-stop through its various offices and programs in Lebanon and the rest of the region and seeks to heal the wounds that are increasing amidst the current challenges and harsh circumstances.

The Diakonia Department Office in Lebanon, which was founded since the establishment of the MECC in 1974, is one of the most important offices that is distinguished by its humanitarian, social, health, cultural, and educational programs across various Lebanese territories without discrimination, because what is most important to the Department’s work is the human being.

In a media interview, the Director of the MECC Diakonia Department Office in Lebanon Ms. Nina Hallak spoke at length about the work of the Diakonia Department Office and said:

“The name of Diakonia indicates its true meaning, that is, service through the Church and humanitarian work, and includes many programs and projects, as such relief work and emergency responses, as well as skills development that help the Lebanese citizen to find job opportunities via his participation in training workshops and improving his skills.”

She continued:

“We are concerned about health, so we work through the Council’s dispensary, which is located in the Bouchrieh region, to provide all the health services and needs for the area there. We do not hesitate to provide assistance in this health sector. We also strive to provide all assistance at the educational level, including programs and support.”

Nina Hallak added:

“The elderlies have a prominent place in our projects, so we work to help them, visit them regularly, and listen to their sorrows and concerns to make them feel that they are our elders and are not alone in this life.

As for women, they have a distinct uniqueness in our programs, as we seek to prepare workshops on many topics that strengthen and encourage them and help them to be productive women. In addition, we always strive to prepare awareness sessions on violence against women and all what protect them amidst challenges.

Moreover, we seek to prepare workshops that target families, institutions, and all concerned people, with the aim of protecting children from “child labor” and avoiding the dangers of modern eras that threaten our children and youth.”

Regarding the harsh conditions and developments that the Lebanese South is passing through, and the displacement of people from this region, Ms. Nina Hallak explained that:

“The Diakonia Department has provided a lot of assistance to the people in various southern regions and towns, silently, wisely, and generously, and it is still providing families with assistance and following up on the people’s conditions.”

She concluded the interview by saying:

“We are preparing many projects despite all the circumstances that we are going through because we are children of hope and do not know fear. For us, the language of life and continuity is the strongest.”