Introduction
Over the course of it’s more than a century-long presence in Lebanon, the YMCA has transitioned from an organization that initially focused on serving the needs of youth in Lebanon to a hugely successful regional and national development NGO. Established in 1890, the YMCA’s initial focus was on what most associate with the YMCA.. youth camps and activities. Today, the YMCA has a wide variety of programs in place that address a variety of community needs ranging from vocational training to relief in times of crisis
Proudly, today’s YMCA-Lebanon is one of the most diverse development NGO’s in the country with its large team of experts, dedicated staff and program experience. With an approach to aid that places no importance on religion or political affiliations; the YMCA has managed to repute itself as a professionally managed NGO operating on local, national and regional levels. The YMCA has become synonymous with impartiality, quality and reliability and is solid in its institutional framework, clear goals and accomplishing its targeted objectives.
Further fueling the success of the YMCA’s programs is its willingness to work the communities to identify the local needs and how best to assist in satisfying them. This methodology for developing projects assures that the beneficiaries of the initiatives are receiving the assistance that they deem important to improve their overall quality of life. By serving the communities with the projects that they value, the YMCA invokes a sense of ownership in these communities and has worked solidly and consistently to gain the trust of our beneficiaries, partners and counterparts in the region.
The driving force behind all of the YMCA initiatives is our mission statement and in proudly honoring our mission we have become a part of the fabric of Lebanon.
“For a better Lebanon... for us all.”
Our Projects
Examples of some of the YMCA’s programs include:
- Rehabilitation and upgrade of health centers
- Emergency relief programs in times of crisis to include assisting affected communities with the tools required to satisfy basic human needs
- Medicine dispensing to the underprivileged and in need, as well as the chronically ill
- The building of waste water treatment facilities, both on an individual (family) level and on a community wide level
- Vocational training to include agricultural, technical know-how,
- Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) development and enhancements of existing SMEs
- Community and environment awareness initiatives
- Youth and women empowerment
- Projects to promote good governance and transparency as well as democracy outreach and education.