Arc en Ciel NGO, which has been supporting for decades Lebanon’s most underprivileged and marginalized communities, is now offering free of charge service for Beirut’s blast victims.
Since its establishment in 1985, its mission was focused on assisting disabled individuals during the Lebanese civil war.
Drawing on its achievements, the not-for-profit organization broadened its mission to promoting diversity, integration, and development through 5 core programs: Agriculture & Environment, Mobility & Health, Responsible Tourism, Youth Empowerment, and Social Support.
“Following the tragedy, Arc en Ciel was implementing immediately several actions in order to respond to victims’ most critical needs,” Sarelle Bejjani, the Health Operations Supervisor of Arc en Ciel’s new center, told The961.
The NGO deployed hundreds of social workers and volunteers in the field to assess the needs of the affected people.
It provided refurbishment of damaged furniture, as well as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, crank beds, medications, physiotherapy sessions, and post-emergency health monitoring for injured victims.
“Based on our assessment, Arc en Ciel discovered that the need for rehabilitation services is crucial,” Bejjani added.
With the help of its international donations, the NGO is focusing now on helping victims affected by the blast through free psychological support, medical consultations, home caregiving, physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychomotor therapy.
“At every outreach, a vulnerability assessment is made by the social workers. Then, the case manager will provide the patient with details on the services,” Bejjani explained.
“Based on our assessment and the patient’s needs, we plan a program with the beneficiary for him or her to benefit from our services.”
The free of charge center is located in the new medical center of Arc en Ciel in Clemenceau, Beirut, and they are currently accepting volunteers regardless of religion, political affiliation, or nationality.
Anyone looking to support Arc en Ciel in any shape or form is welcomed. The NGO can be contacted through its website, its social media platform, or at +961 1 495 561
Arc en Ciel has been internationally recognized with several awards, including but not limited to the Order of the Civil Merit by the Spanish government.
