Beddawi

Overview

Beddawi Camp, established by UNRWA in 1955, spans approximately 1 km² and is located on a hill 5 km north of Tripoli in northern Lebanon. Over the decades, the camp has provided refuge to thousands of Palestinian families, as well as others displaced by regional conflicts. Despite its small size, Beddawi has become a densely populated community with essential infrastructure, including indoor water supplies, a sewerage system, and a recently rehabilitated stormwater drainage system.

The Impact of Conflict and Displacement

Since October 8, 2023, Beddawi Camp has faced immense challenges due to the war with Israel. By September 2024, the situation had reached a crisis point, forcing 2,000 families—including Palestinians (PRL, PRS), Lebanese, Syrians, and other nationalities—to flee their homes and take refuge in Beddawi. This rapid influx of displaced individuals has placed an overwhelming strain on the camp’s already limited resources. Throughout the war period, Beit Atfal Assumoud has distributed over 950 food parcels, hygiene kits, and baby kits.

Beddawi’s population has steadily increased over the years. Originally home to Palestinian refugees, the camp also welcomed families displaced from Naher Al-Bared Camp in 2007, many of whom have since made Beddawi their permanent residence. Additionally, the Syrian warhas contributed to further population growth, increasing demand for housing, healthcare, and education.

To address these challenges, UNRWA has expanded its services, including the construction of two prefabricated school buildings originally intended for Naher Al-Bared students, which now also serve children from Beddawi. These schools underwent maintenance this year to accommodate the growing student body. Furthermore, UNRWA has expanded the Beddawi Health Center to provide improved primary healthcare services and has constructed a 275 m³ water tower to enhance access to clean water.

Beddawi at a Glance

• Area: 1 km² divided into sectors; A, B, C, D
• Population: Over 21,000 registered refugees
• Education: Seven schools, including one secondary school and two prefabricated schools for displaced NBC, PRS, and Beddawi students
• Healthcare: One health center providing essential medical services

Community Programs in Beddawi Camp

To support the well-being of residents, various organizations, including UNRWA and Beit Atfal Assumoud, offer a range of social and humanitarian programs, including:

• Healthcare services, including primary medical care and mental health support
• Education programs for children and youth
• Social safety-net programs for vulnerable families
• Relief and social services to assist individuals
• Disability support for individuals with special needs
• Women’s empowerment initiatives, including vocational training and leadership programs
• Community-based rehabilitation services
• Mental health programs to address trauma, stress-related issues, and other psychological problems

Ongoing Challenges and Urgent Needs

Despite the resilience of Beddawi’s residents and the efforts of humanitarian organizations, the camp continues to face severe socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, including:

1. Widespread Poverty and Unemployment

• Limited job opportunities within the camp and in surrounding areas leave many families struggling to afford basic necessities.
• The economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly worsened poverty levels, affecting both refugees and host communities.
• Many refugees lack work permits and legal employment opportunities, forcing them into informal, unstable, and low-paying jobs.

2. Overburdened Infrastructure and Overcrowding

• The camp’s rapid population growth has led to extreme overcrowding, with multiple families often living in small, poorly ventilated shelters.
• Vertical construction has become a necessity due to space limitations, but many of these structures are unsafe and lack proper building regulations.
• The water supply is inconsistent, and residents frequently experience water shortages and low-quality drinking water.

3. Strain on Healthcare Services

• The Beddawi Health Center struggles to meet the needs of the growing population, leading to long waiting times and limited access to specialized care.
• There is a shortage of medications, especially for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
• Mental health challenges have surged due to ongoing displacement, war trauma, and economic instability, yet mental health services remain underfunded and understaffed.

4. Education Gaps and School Overcrowding

• Schools in the camp are overcrowded, with classrooms often holding far more students than they can accommodate.
• There is a high dropout rate among teenagers, particularly young boys who leave school to work and support their families.
• The lack of higher education opportunities forces many youths to seek informal work instead of continuing their studies.

5. Electricity and Energy Crisis

• The camp experiences prolonged electricity shortages, making daily life difficult, especially for students and medical facilities.
• Many families rely on expensive private generators, which they can barely afford, while others are left without power for hours—or even days—at a time.
• The need for sustainable energy solutions, such as solar power, is critical to improving living conditions.

6. Waste Management and Environmental Concerns

• The lack of an efficient waste disposal system has led to accumulation of garbage, creating health and environmental hazards.
• Sewage system overload causes frequent leaks and contamination, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Residents face rising pollution levels, affecting overall health and quality of life.

7. Urgent Need for Cemetery Space

• The camp no longer has space for new burials, forcing families to search for alternatives outside the camp.
• The lack of a proper cemetery has placed emotional and financial strain on families dealing with loss.

8. Limited Humanitarian Aid and Funding Shortages

• UNRWA funding cuts have severely impacted essential services, including healthcare, education, and relief programs.
• Many NGOs and humanitarian organizations face financial constraints, limiting their ability to provide long-term support.
• The global economic downturn and shifting donor priorities have further reduced available aid, leaving many vulnerable families without assistance.

Beit Atfal Assumoud Center – Beddawi

Since its establishment in 1987, the Beit Atfal Assumoud (BAS) Center in Beddawi has played a vital role in supporting the community. Originally launched as a child sponsorship program, the center expanded in 1991 with the construction of a social and cultural facility, made possible through funding from the Malaysian Sociological Research Center and the Malaysian government.

Today, Beit Atfal Assumoud serves as a lifeline for families, offering educational, vocational, healthcare, and psychosocial support programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for camp residents.

Key Programs and Services at BAS Beddawi

1. Education & Youth Development

• Kindergarten programs to provide early childhood education
• Learning support to assist students in overcoming academic challenges
• Special needs education for children with disabilities

2. Vocational Training & Skill Development

• Hairdressing training for young women
• Solar energy system training, equipping youth with professional skills, equipment, and tools to start a career in solar energy panels and systems
• Digital literacy courses to enhance job opportunities in an increasingly digital world

3. Health & Social Services

• Family Happiness Project (Sponsorship program for orphans and families in need)
• Dental clinic providing essential oral healthcare
• Family Guidance Center, offering mental health services for children and adults, including psychiatric consultations, psychotherapeutic sessions, speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, music therapy, special education therapy services
• Reproductive health & peer education initiatives to promote awareness and well-being, and Gynecologist services for women's health, maternity care, and family planning.
• Urology Services providing treatment for urinary system disorders and male reproductive health issues.

4. Community Engagement & Cultural Programs

• Recreational activities to promote social well-being
• Art & cultural activities, including traditional Dabkeh, music, orchestra, and choir
• Right to Play Project, develop life skills and guidance in teenagers and young adults

Conclusion

Beddawi Camp continues to stand as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and community strength in the face of ongoing hardship. Despite its challenges, the camp remains a vibrant and determined community, supported by organizations like Beit Atfal Assumoud, who work tirelessly to provide vital services and opportunities for a better future.

However, more support is needed to address urgent needs, including poverty alleviation, employment opportunities, and expanded healthcare and education services. By working together, we can help ensure that Beddawi’s residents not only survive but thrive.