In northern Lebanon, in the Palestinian refugee camps of Beddawi and Nahr el Bared, children face significant barriers to accessing safe spaces, social participation, and psychosocial well-being. The lack of inclusive educational and recreational opportunities affects their overall development and their ability to build positive relationships. The project "Promoting Resilience and Social Well-being through UNRWA Schools in North Governorate of Lebanon" was developed in this context with the aim of strengthening welcoming and accessible learning environments within UNRWA schools, where children and adolescents can engage in educational, sports, and cultural activities as tools for personal development and protection.
The project aims to strengthen the well-being, resilience, and social cohesion of Palestinian children and adolescents through inclusive school-based activities. Specifically, it seeks to improve psychosocial well-being through structured and safe activities, promote positive interaction and teamwork, expand access to sports, recreational, and cultural opportunities, and support the development of life skills, self-confidence, and resilience.
The activities will take place between February and November 2026 in four UNRWA schools (Jenin and Jordan River in Beddawi, and Al Manara and Jabal Tabbour in Nahr el Bared), involving approximately 3,000 students. The project includes sports, recreational activities, and music workshops for children and adolescents of all age groups, implemented in collaboration with the local partners Prima Materia and Beit Atfal Assumoud. During the summer break, dedicated activities and a final summer camp will be organized, with a focus on inclusion, well-being, and social cohesion.
The project aims to improve participants’ psychosocial well-being, self-confidence, and ability to cope with challenging situations. It is expected to increase access to safe and inclusive activities, strengthen interpersonal and collaborative skills, and encourage greater engagement in school life. The activities will also contribute to creating more cohesive and inclusive school environments by strengthening relationships among schools, families, and the wider community. More broadly, the project promotes the value of sports, music, and recreational activities as tools for education, inclusion, and community development, indirectly benefiting more than 12,000 people, including family members and local stakeholders.
As with all UPP initiatives, the project adopts a rights-based, people-centred, and self-determination-oriented approach, recognizing the fundamental role of communities and schools as spaces for protection and growth. The activities are designed to be inclusive and participatory, building on the capacities and aspirations of students while promoting relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation. The project is implemented with the support of the Italian Embassy and UNRWA, in collaboration with local partners, contributing to strengthening the capacity of educational institutions to deliver sustainable interventions that are responsive to the needs of the communities involved.
