A Day in Beirut: A Journey of Resilience, Hope, and the Power of Change

Three years since the devastating blast in Beirut, I find myself walking down the very same streets that were once reduced to rubble. The city still bears the scars of the past, but its heart remains unbroken. Being back in Beirut after the traged– a city that has witnessed the very worst and best of humanity – I am here to witness first-hand the stories of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary power of change.

As the CEO of Penny Appeal, I am always moved to see the long-term impacts of the relationships we have nurtured with our local partners. The power of your generosity comes to life in the smiles of the children we help educate, in the strength of the women we empower, and in the rejuvenated spirits of families who had once lost everything. Every small change creates a big difference, a testament to what we stand for at Penny Appeal.

Borderless Giving - Borderless Blessings

Today, I had the privilege of visiting Borderless NGO, a Beirut-based organisation that echoes our mission to foster hope amidst despair. They undertake a range of projects, including women and youth empowerment programs, food kitchens, and psychosocial support for women and children – especially those affected by the 2020 blast and the ongoing refugee crisis.

During a roundtable discussion, I was humbled to hear the stories of resilient women who, despite the hardships they've faced, are carving out new lives for themselves and their families. As refugees, they've had to face unimaginable challenges, including financial strain and political tensions, yet the support provided by Borderless NGO and Penny Appeal has given them new opportunities and a renewed sense of community.

However, the hardship continues, with many families resorting to child labour to meet their needs. This grim reality was a stark reminder of the immense work that still lies ahead of us. Yet, it also highlighted the pivotal role our work plays in providing these families with a lifeline in their darkest hours.

At another site, I met young, aspiring artists whose creativity and talent were truly awe-inspiring. Borderless NGO helps them hone their skills, which they can use to earn an income, bringing colour and hope to their challenging lives. It was uplifting to see the impact of our educational support, offering these children an alternative to child labour and giving them the tools they need to build a brighter future.

Your Generosity is Their Hope

We're making strides, but there's still a long way to go. Three years on, the ripple effects of the 2020 blast are still profoundly felt. Families are struggling, the economy is under pressure, and child labour is increasing. Despite these challenges, the spirit of Beirut remains undeterred, and the BIG difference your small changes make is clear in the faces of the people we've helped.

We remember the lives lost in the 2020 blast and remain committed to building futures and opening opportunities for generations to come. This journey is far from over, and I invite you to walk this path with me. Follow every step of my journey on social media, leave a comment and discover how you can join us on the ground.

This work is your legacy. Support our life-changing projects in Lebanon today by visiting: https://pennyappeal.org/appeal/lebanon-emergency

Beirut is rising, resilient as ever. Let's rise with it.

Ridwana Wallace-Laher

CEO, Penny Appeal