Q&A

MOSA, UNHCR, UNICEF and other organisations have set up more than 28 community development centres around Lebanon. These centres provide a range of activities everyone can benefit from. There you can acquire new skills, surf the internet, meet new people and get information about existing services. Soon several Social Development Centres will also be equipped with medical staff, including for immunization and pediatric services, and in some centres safe spaces for women and friendly spaces for children will be strengthened. Everyone should feel safe and welcome at these centres: women, children, adolescents, youth and older persons. They are open to all refugees, Lebanese returnees and the local population.

Partners are trying to make sure everyone can benefit from community development centre activities. This includes, when possible, providing services such as transportation and day care. There are Refugee Outreach Volunteers and other community volunteers who can help you and your family members better reach these centres e.g. by organizing group walks, giving directions, etc. Some community development centres activities can also be brought to your village or town. The list of community development centres in Lebanon with contacts and addresses can be found in the UNHCR Community Development Centres leaflet in all UNHCR registration centres and other locations. Please ask UNHCR staff or any humanitarian agency in your area.

Centres are organized to meet the exigencies of the users. You can suggest to the centre administration or to the allocated social workers supported by UNHCR or UNICEF the possibility to set up activities and events which interest you or others. This can include regular information sessions on legal issues, rights and responsibilities, education, health, topics related to disability, etc. You can also set up a club or participate in a committee which can organize and set up activities.

Volunteers are always welcome! You can just contact any community centre in your area. The staff there will sit with you to understand your areas of interest and capacities. These are unpaid positions and you may just receive some support to meet transport and other expenditures

The social workers at the Community centres/Social Development Centres (SDC) can provide support and guidance in many issues, including through counseling and home visits and can refer your case to the appropriate service providers if you wish so. They are bound by confidentiality and respect of your intentions. You can also contact UNHCR Community Services staff, UNHCR Protection hotlines (see Q 26) or the Refugee Outreach Volunteers in your area.

Apart from the community centres, there are representatives from humanitarian organisations undertaking collective site management where you live. They are there to assist you with information. They work closely with UNHCR and the Shawish in your area.