Lebanon

Beirut and Beyond

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Voie 13
Semaan building
Jbeil
Lebanon

Telephone
+961 3 524 400
Telephone (other)
0778367215
Fax
0778367215
E-Mail
info@beirutandbeyond.net
E-Mail (2)
amani@beirutandbeyond.net
E-Mail (3)
yara@beirutandbeyond.net
Mobile Phone
+33 7 78367215
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2013
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
General Information

Beirut and Beyond is a Non-Profit Organization registered in Lebanon with full-time director and program manager, and a part-time administrative/logistic coordinator. We hire freelancers for projects and the festival editions.
The structure is financed mainly by the Norwegian Embassy in Beirut, with additional support from the AFAC, the French Institute in Beirut, and the British Council in Lebanon; in addition to partnerships with entities like Music Halls in London, the World Culture Museum in Gothenburg, and FIMU in Belfort.
The yearly budget varies between 70,000 and 120,000 USD depending on the project requirements and challenges.
Our set list of projects includes a yearly edition of the showcase festival, workshops and residencies. We also work on exchange and collaboration projects for export of talent and decentralization.
Our founding partner is Oslo World in Norway, and our current partners for residencies are Prozess in Switzerland, and Rumman in Lebanon.

Mission and Objectives

One of the most important aspects of our work is to promote the talent from Lebanon and the MENA region. We believe it is our duty to introduce promising, under-the-radar artists to our international partners and network so that we can export music from the region to the world.
As a continuation of our initial mission, we are dedicated to developing the local scene by identifying weak points and needs and providing solutions for them to be able to strengthen the infrastructure of the music scene and create opportunities.

Our objectives are:
Promote independent musicians through our yearly showcase festival
Create opportunities for musicians by connecting them with music professionals during the festival and through the collaborations created with local and regional partners
Become an agent of change and development towards a transparent, equal, and professional music scene in the region, by exhibiting good practice and offering new work models
Establish and foster long-term collaborations and partnerships within the music industry both locally and internationally
Expose audiences to a wide range of musical genres celebrating the universality of music
Develop new audiences by providing access through affordable prices, targeting youth and developing decentralized programs
Boost creative development by providing artists with residencies and the right tools to progress their career
Emphasize capacity building through workshops and support programs for artists and practitioners
Offer a platform for freedom of expression and positive intercultural exchange in a fragile and conflicted region

Main Projects / Activities

Yearly showcase festival (BBIMF)
Local residencies
International residencies
Workshops
Support programs
Webinars
Panel discussions
Cultural exchange

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We learned a lot and gained valuable experience during our 10 years of activity in Lebanon, the region and abroad. We have established beneficial connections and managed to form a good understanding of the different aspects of the music scene and industry in Lebanon and abroad. We have been working hard on inclusivity, be it in terms of offering equal opportunities to musicians from different backgrounds/level of expertise/music genres, or by fighting for gender equality in a generally male-dominated music scene. We believe that we will bring valuable insight to the Network in our country, and we look forward to sharing our tools, resources and connections with the members of the Network, in addition to building potential partnerships with them. We look forward to searching for common grounds with the local Network members and working towards a more solid and concrete infrastructure in the music industry in a way that helps us achieve our goals and theirs.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We believe that joining the ALF network will help us bridge a lot of gaps in the way we operate by opening up to different discourses and narratives about issues that other ALF Network members might have more expertise in.

Contact (1) Full Name
Amani Semaan
Job Title
Co-founder and Director
Head of the organisation
Amani Semaan
Contact (2) Full Name
Yara Mrad
Job Title (2)
Program Manager

Beirut Arab University

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Tarik El Jedidah - Omar Farroukh Street - Beirut - Lebanon
P.O.Box: 11-5020 - Riad El Solh 1107 2809

Beirut
Lebanon

Telephone
00961 1 818299
Telephone (other)
00961 1 300110
Fax
00961 1 818402
E-Mail
petzy.hage@gmail.com
E-Mail (3)
bau@bau.edu.lb
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
1960
Fields of Activity
  1. Environment/Sustainable development
  2. Human rights
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Media
  5. Youth and education
General Information
Founded in 1960, and one of the oldest and largest universities in Lebanon, Beirut Arab University (BAU) is a private Lebanese institution for higher education and is recognized as a significant leader in teaching. The University consists of four campuses in Beirut, Debbieh, Tripoli and Bekaa that comprise 998 faculty members and 567 of staff and workers. BAU currently consists of the following 10 faculties: 1. Faculty of Arts 2. Faculty of Law and Political Science 3. Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration 4. Faculty of Architectural Engineering 5. Faculty of Engineering 6. Faculty of Science 7. Faculty of Pharmacy 8. Faculty of Medicine 9. Faculty of Dentistry 10. Faculty of Health Sciences Beirut Arab University has shown a great interest in academic cooperation with the local and international institutions concerned with higher education. BAU is a member in many Unions and has signed many agreements with different organizations.
Mission and Objectives

Mission:
The core mission of Beirut Arab University is to achieve an outstanding standard through excellence in education, learning, and research whilst meeting the needs of our community and adhering to our academic values of intellectual freedom, integrity and professionalism.
Vision:
BAU is committed to ensuring that the processes of learning, teaching and assessment evolve to cope with the requirements of lifelong learning.
Beirut Arab University has a clear academic vision:
1-To provide education and training to students as well as society on a local, regional and international level.
2-To extend knowledge through research and technology.
3-To contribute significantly to the advancement of education, knowledge and research through participation in academic, business and cultural collaborations.
4-To strengthen our core intellectual disciplines and open new channels to scientific understanding in non-traditional fields.
5-To produce graduates prepared for responsibility and capable of meeting global challenges.

Main Projects / Activities

Beirut Arab University has established the Human Rights Center (HRC) to spread the culture of human rights and dialogue; and also to introduce the values of human rights at the university and there from in the society.
The Human Rights Center organizes numerous activities, including workshops, training programs and others.
In addition, the Environmental Research Center (ERC) was recently established to perform, stimulate high quality environmental and social research and creative endeavors to understand environmental and social problems and their impact on human wellbeing.
BAU has also established the Center for Entrepreneurship to promote and spread the culture of entrepreneurship (self-employment) and the center for consultation that was founded to meet the lifelong learning through Continuing Education Program (CEP). Furthermore, other centers like Language Center and Media Center were established to keep BAU’s mission of providing excellence in education, knowledge advancement and serving the region and national community.

Contact (1) Full Name
Dr. Omar Houri, Director of Human Rights Center (HRC)
Head of the organisation
Prof. Amr Galal El-Adawi, President
Contact (2) Full Name
Amani Bsat

Beirut Dance Studio | Beirut Dance Company

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Victoria Bldg., 9th floor, Corniche Nahr (facing Fiat)
Beirut 1100
Lebanon

Telephone
+961-1-426869
E-Mail
beirutdancestudio@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
nadakano@yahoo.com
E-Mail (3)
info@beirutdancestudio.com
Organisation Type
Individual Person
Year of Establishment
2003
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
General Information
Le Beirut Dance Studio est dirige par Nada Kano qui enseigne aupres d'environ 150 eleves. Elle est assistee de 4/5 professeurs locaux. Une personne tient l'accueil pendant les cours. Une administratice mi-temps/ freelance. La Beirut Dance Company est composee de 8 danseurs (meilleurs eleves du studio et quelques danseurs libanais installes a l'etranger) Chiffre d'affaires annuel d'environ 100.000 USD Revenus principalement issus des cours. Aides ponctuelles sur productions/ spectacles Beirut Dance Company (fondations, institutions, sponsors). Enseignement permanent, stages, creation/production de spectacles, creation d'une filiere professionnelle.
Mission and Objectives

Nada Kano se démène depuis plusieurs années pour créer une véritable filière professionnelle pour la danse. Souffrant de la fragilité du processus de reconstruction du pays et de l’exil des danseurs les plus talentueux, la structure doit faire face au manque d’institutions et structures promouvant le développement de la danse au Liban. La principale ambition de la structure est de devenir une solide plate-forme pour la promotion de la danse professionnelle dans le pays et d’assurer des débouchés pour les danseurs en quête d’une carrière dans ce domaine. Ses objectifs consistent en - la formation d’une compagnie professionnelle (danseurs, directeur artistique, maitre de ballet, professeurs contemporains, administrateur) - la production de créations et de pièces de jeunes talents locaux et internationaux et leur diffusion - la transformation de l’école de danse en une institution de danse reconnue internationalement et dotée d’un cycle de formation professionnel et diplômant.

Main Projects / Activities

Le Beirut Dance Studio est un espace de 600 m2 environ, composé de 3 salles (2 salles de 90m2 et 1 grande salle de 145m2) destinées à accueillir des cours de danse et des répétitions. -Cours de danse classique enfants et adultes 150 élèves dès l’âge de 5 ans répartis en 6 niveaux + adultes Plus de 30h de cours dispensés du lundi au samedi Un spectacle dansé par les élèves clôture les cours chaque fin d’année. -Autres cours A côté des cours permanents de danse classique, des cours sont dispensés par des professeurs externes en danse orientale, flamenco, salsa, contemporaine… -Espace de répétition Le studio offre à la location ses 3 salles pour des petites compagnies et artistes indépendants à la recherche d’un espace de travail. -Stages/ masters-classes Le Beirut Dance Studio invite régulièrement des professionnels internationaux pour des stages de perfectionnement et des masters-classes ouverts aux élèves mais aussi aux danseurs externes à l’école. La Beirut Dance Company -Entraînement quotidien du lundi au samedi Stages de perfectionnement et master-classes -Performances Conception et présentation d’un spectacle par an Participation concours et diverses manifestations autour de la danse ((Jeux de la Francophonie, appels à candidature internationaux, Journée Internationale de la Danse…) -Structuration de la compagnie La compagnie aurait besoin d’un total de 10 danseurs avec un nombre équivalent d’hommes et de femmes. Le personnel d’encadrement se composerait d’un directeur artistique, d’un maître de ballet, d’un professeur de danse contemporaine et d’un administrateur. Filière professionnelle Le but est de transformer l’école en expansion, en institution de danse à part entière avec une reconnaissance internationale. L’école fournirait la formation nécessaire aux jeunes danseurs désireux de mener une carrière professionnelle en leur offrant un programme rigoureux conçu en partenariat avec des conservatoires et divers professionnels étrangers (accueil de professeurs, jumelages…). L’école encouragerait l’inscription de personnes venues de tous horizons sociaux et culturels libanais et offrirait des bourses aux jeunes danseurs qui n’auraient pas les moyens financiers de poursuivre une telle formation (voir ci-après « Projet enfants »). Projets pour enfants défavorisés Le but du projet est d’assurer une formation de danse classique à un groupe d’enfants issus de milieux défavorisés ou orphelins en alternance, en parallèle de leurs études scolaires. D’une part, la danse leur offrirait une échappatoire et les aiderait à surmonter leurs problèmes. D’autres part, ces enfants pourraient être le noyau qui débuterait une compagnie de danse nationale, voire internationale.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ms. Nada Kano
Job Title
Founder
Head of the organisation
Ms. Nada Kano

Beirut DC

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Furn el Cheback, Selim Khoury street, Akiki Bldg., ground floor
Beirut
Lebanon

Telephone
+961-1-293212
E-Mail
eliane.raheb@beirutdc.org
E-Mail (2)
jad@beirutdc.org
Mobile Phone
+961-3-370972
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1999
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
General Information
Beirut DC is a Cultural association for the development of independent Arab Cinema. Employed staff: 2 persons, with many projects managers who work as freelancers or upon short terms contracts. Sources of funding: Ford foundation, Euromed Audiovisual 2, European commission in Lebanon, local Cultural centers, Embassies, sponsors Modalities of Actions: Film Workshops, Arab cinema festival, 30 Arab film weeks in the world, Arab Cinema website ACdir, film funds and support,network of filmmakers and producers in the region, video library containing about 2000 Arab independent films.
Mission and Objectives

Beirut DC aims at promoting, enhancing and supporting a creative cinematic movement in the Arab World, through Production, promotion and training. After almost a decade of experience in the field, Beirut DC members and friends believe more than ever that the progress of society and its cinema is one. Authentic films and a responsible media offer a possible analysis and reshaping of contemporary Arab societies that are in crisis.

Main Projects / Activities

Since 1999 we have made a series of workshops, organized 5 editions of the Arab cinema festival "Ayyam Beirut Al Cinema'iya", currated about 30 Arab film weeks in Europe, introduced Arab films in international markets, created an Arab cinema website ACdir, and supported the production of independent filmmakers through funds and facilities. We also have a large network of filmmakers and producers in the region as well as a video library containing about 2000 Arab independent films.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mrs. Eliane Raheb
Head of the organisation
Mrs. Eliane Raheb
Contact (2) Full Name
Mr. Jad Abi Khalil

Beit el Fan

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Mar Elias Street, El Mina, Tripoli
Tripoli 1301
Lebanon

Telephone
+961-3-387714
Fax
+961-6-201315
E-Mail
beitelfan@hotmail.com
Organisation Type
Individual Person
Year of Establishment
1994
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Environment/Sustainable development
  4. Human rights
  5. International/Cultural relations
  6. Youth and education
General Information
AL AZM Cultural Center - Beit El Fan is a cultural center located in the heart of El Mina in north Lebanon. One of the only venues of its kind in the area. Beit El Fan is under the patronage of his Excellency, our beloved Mr. Najib Mikati. AL AZM Cultural Center - Beit El Fan was granted the status of association in 2010 (permit no. 871). Beit El Fan was granted the status of association in 1994 (permit no. 323/AD). In addition to its founding members,
Mission and Objectives

Encourage the production of intellectual, literary, artistic and cultural heritage and to revive and assist in it’s printing and publication.

The exercise of all related activities to reviving the heritage and holding seminars, literary, cultural, artistic and heritage festivals.

The exercise of all activities related to production of television and film and theater, music and radio.

Conducting Studies and research and documentation of various aspects of cultural historical, literary, artistic and life intellectual and publishing it in a private association magazine.

To shed light on the archaeological sites and tourism in Northern Lebanon through the establishment of activities.

To revive various theatrecal play activities and promote exhibitions of painting, sculpture, heritage, handicrafts, photography and all kinds of fine arts, inside and outside Lebanon.

To stimulate the cultural work and to encourage and support associations and cultural clubs and all Craftsmen and Artistic and heritage Handicrafts.

Main Projects / Activities

Beit El Fan functions as the node for several other artistic groups, including painters, actors, musicians, poets, and filmmakers. The center and its members aim to help the surrounding area to develop its cultural and touristic ventures.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mr. Abdul Nasser Yassine
Job Title
General Manager
Head of the organisation
Dr. Mustapha Adib (President)

Besme Co. International Group for Humanitarian Assistance

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Achrafieh, Gibran Tueini Square, Area 28,Mar MAroun street, No 70, Saifi 311 Bldg., 3rd floor
Beirut 1100
Lebanon

Telephone
+961-1-339116
E-Mail
info@beme-int.org
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
2014
Fields of Activity
  1. Environment/Sustainable development
  2. Human rights
  3. Youth and education
General Information
Besme is a non-profit company that abides by the principles of an NGO. It is operated by a qualified team of professionals who have considerable experience in the humanitarian field in Turkey, Cyprus, Central Asia, and the Arab countries, including Lebanon.Besme does focus mainly on the most fragile groups of society, namely children, youth and women, particularly in rural areas. As such, Besme gives priority to initiatives targeting women and youth empowerment as well as child protection. Besme is independent of any governmental, political, and religious affiliation. Its main aim is to provide the neediest people in and around Lebanon with tools for sustainable change, and it is committed to operating with full transparency and accountability. Based in Beirut, Besme employs associate experts and consultants working on a project basis. In order for Besme to strengthen its position in the non-profit sector and to succeed in implementing sustainable projects, from the first day Besme was set up onwards, we are seeking for international funding. Besme has gathered enough financial means from shareholders and private international donors to function for an initial period of at least two years. However, in order to create a more solid financial base, Besme is undertaking income generating activities that will finance projects that are to be implemented.
Mission and Objectives

The main purpose of Besme is to be present in those areas requiring crisis management as a result of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Being involved in crisis management from the preliminary phase onwards, that is, providing relief supplies to people in need, Besme aims to improve the living conditions of communities in conflict-affected regions. Besme believes that fighting poverty in regions of conflict and crisis, whether stemming from an influx of refugees from neighboring countries or created by unstable internal political and economic conditions, should be the main concern of civil society.In this context, Besme focuses on the concept of sustainable livelihood. Being aware of the fact that, particularly in the Middle East, social exclusion tends to lead to radicalization of individuals between the ages of 15 and 45, thus increasing the possibility of devoting themselves to certain armed groups on the basis of their religious or ideological beliefs, Besme attaches great importance to the broader concept of sustainable livelihood. To this end, in addition to being prepared for any rapid emergency response, Besme seeks to develop projects related to health care, education and socio-economic development, which, in turn, will also lead to the improved livelihoods of those urgently in need.

Main Projects / Activities

Activities of Besme in 2014-2015
1. Besme Aid 2015
In line with the principles drawn above, Besme started its activities as of January 2015. After studying the report of our South Lebanon Coordinator carefully, we found out that, due to the bad weather conditions in South Lebanon, there was a need for fuel and blankets, both for Lebanese villagers and for Syrian refugees. In order to help meet these needs, Besme arranged the distribution of relief supplies. The aid aimed to improve living conditions of local villagers and Syrian refugees, who had been experiencing severe winter conditions since December 2014. On 14 January 2015 Besme distributed a total of 10.000 liters of fuel oil and 320 blankets in the Hasbaya Al-Arkoub region. The villages of Hebbarieh, Cheeba, Kfarhammam and Kfarchouba, which are in the vicinity of the Israeli border, received the aid. Under the name of Besme Aid 2015, a total of 900 families benefited from this; 500 families received 20 liters of fuel oil, and another 400 families were given blankets and soups. The aid distribution was coordinated with Al-Masaadi Organization in Hebbarieh, a local partner of Besme.
When Besme was founded, we were fortunate to receive generous donations from Nestle Lebanon. Thanks to Ms. May Rieashi, who is responsible for NGO activities at Nestle Lebanon, in December 2014 we received 10 cases of Maggi soup mix, which all contained 12 small boxes which, in turn, all consisted of 12 packages of soup mix. We handed three boxes over to the UNHCR so as to assist them cover the nutritional needs of Syrian refugees. The remaining seven boxes were distributed as part of the above-mentioned Besme Aid 2015 project.
Besme furthermore received another package of nutrition supplies from Nestle Lebanon at the end of March 2015. The package included: five cases of Maggi Beef Boullion 2 Tab24 (24*20g), five cases of Maggi Bouillon Veg 2 Tab 24 (24*20g), five cases of Maggi Chicken Low Salt 24 (24*20g), and one case of Maggi Juicy Ckg Bag 4 (10*32g). Besme handed over these supplies to the Nashet Association, a Palestinian organization situated at Ein El-Hilweh Refugee Camp in Saida. The supplies were distributed among Palestinian refugees living in Ein El-Hilweh, where Syrian Palestinians are also living.2.  Research on the Quality of Living in Beirut
Being aware that the results of academic field research are vital to develop and implement successful projects, Besme decided to execute a research project in Beirut. To this end, in February 2015 Besme concluded an agreement with Thrakos Research Center to execute a research project which aims to map the prevailing living conditions of Beirutis, particularly in the poor districts. In order to promote the concept of sustainable livelihood in Beirut (the center of the country) and to hence spread this to other parts of Lebanon, the research is intended to be a pilot project for Besme.3. Small Business Grants to Women
As stated already, Besme pays particular attention to the empowerment of women. In order to give women the opportunity to start-up their own businesses, Besme is working on a small business program which provides women with crucial start-up equipment. In April 2015 three women in the village of Hebbarieh in South Lebanon were granted kitchen utensils and hairdresser equipment so as to enable them to contribute to their family income. The grants were submitted upon an agreement which states that the grantees will pay back 30% of their annual income so that, in turn, Besme can finance other local micro entrepreneur initiatives for women in the region. We are committed to track the progress of these small businesses for the next three-year period via our South Lebanon Coordinator. The grantees will, moreover, benefit from workshops and vocational training on entrepreneurship and marketing. Our aim is to spread this project to neighboring villages.4. Besme Community Center
From the beginning onwards, Hasbaya Al-Arkoub in South Lebanon has become one of Besme’s main concerns. Besme is committed to contribute to the socio-cultural and socio-economic development of this region. Due to its good relations with the villagers of Hebbarieh, Besme has been donated with a piece of land at the heart of the village. The donation, made by Mr. Yasin Youssef, will contribute to the development of the village through our efforts. After laying the first stone on the land on 3 April 2015, Besme started the construction of a Community Center in June 2015. Funded by Besme’s international donors, and observed by Al-Masaadi on behalf of Besme, the community center is meant to be a multi-purpose facility, in which workshops, training programs and conferences will be held. The center will moreover serve for public events not only of Hebbarieh but also of neighboring villages. The center is expected to trigger regional socio-economic progress, which has been in decline for over 10 years.5. Health Insurance Cards Distribution
Installing the concept of sustainable livelihood at the core, Besme is very keen to intervene directly in the livelihood of people, through finding necessary funds. In this context, upon an agreement signed with Al Wake3 Association in June 2015, Besme consigned health insurance cards for 100 Lebanese citizens who neither have state nor private health insurance. In association with UFA Insurance Company which issued the cards, Besme secured 100 people in Beirut and Akkar with crucial health care for a one-year period.
Working together with Jil Mustakbel Association and Khayır Association in Beirut, as well as with Lebanese-Turkish associations in the villages of Aydamoun and Kuashra in Akkar, Besme compiled a list of people who would receive the cards. At two separate events, on 11 June 2015 in Beirut and on 15 June 2015 in Akkar, following a short presentation about their rights and responsibilities drawn in the insurance agreement, assigned card holders received their insurance cards. Being involved directly with the livelihood of 100 people, Besme helps them reserve a certain amount of their household income, which would otherwise be spent on health issues. Hence, Besme provides these people with an oppertunity to allocate this amount to other basic family need.  6. Besme Photo Contest
Besme believes that art is an important component of humanity. Especially during a conflict period, the need for cultural support increases. It should be noted that, even during a time of armed conflict, intellectual development of people remains critical for the promotion of artistic activities as a means to counter armed actions. Therefore, we consider cultural support as an important aspect of humanitarian assistance and development.  In this context, Besme organized a Photography Contest under the Patronage of His Excellency, Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon, Mr. Rashid Derbas, in March 2015. The contest was a launching project for Besme, which, moreover, meant to serve as a mechanism to support talented university students. Besides, the contest aimed at directing the attention of youth away from the effects of radical armed movements active in the region and towards artistic creation that will contribute the progress of humanity. Mr. Jamal Saidi, Honorary President of the Lebanese Union of Photographers and chief photographer at Reuters, was the Head of the Jury, and was accompanied by privileged Lebanese photographers Dr. Salih Rifai and Dr. Rania Mouawad. The theme “what besme (smile) means to you” was meant to promote creativity among young photographers with regard to moments that are intrinsically humane. More than 600 works of 107 students from Lebanese universities all around the country well reflected the idea behind the organization. Smiles of Syrian refugee children, Lebanese elderly, Palestinian girls and boys, and many others gathered at the exhibition that was held on 14 April 2015. To encourage youth to engage in photography, Besme presented the top five works with an award.7.  Syrian Mothers: Portraits and Stories of the War
In line with the Besme Photo Contest, which was warmly welcomed by Lebanese society and the university students, Besme launched another project with the Syrian League for Citizenship. Having women as the target group and taking into consideration the UN Security Council Resolutions of 1325 and 2122, which emphasize the involvement of women in peace building and maintaining the security in conflict-affected zones, Besme and Sl4C are working on a photography book. Having been launched in June 2015, the book will include 35 photographs of Syrian mothers along with their stories. These women are selected from different places inside and outside of Syria. Through the photographs in this book, their pain will be conveyed, as will their humble pride through the accompanying words. On the basis of ‘seeing is believing’, through using photography Besme aims to create a channel which allows these women’s feelings to be shown.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Working with local partners around Lebanon and developing international connections in the region, Besme will continue to work on projects in relation to sustainable livelihood and development.
Our vision is to draw smiles on people’s faces by improving the quality of human life as we provide people with various kinds of research-based humanitarian assistance. For achieving this vision Besme started empowering women in South areas by providing them necessary equipment for their own small businesses. For achieving sustainability of the women empowerment and other humanitarian assistance acitivities Besme continuing to build a social facility building in South Lebanon which is planing to present to serve the other NGOs and local people.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Besme has many ideas for providing assistance for development of the society and humanitarian assistance for Lebanese people. For implementing these project Besme needs to find partners and donors. We believe in that ALF Network is a good opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to the civil society and to establish useful relations with other associations.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ms. Fatma Ozge Atay
Job Title
Project Manager
Head of the organisation
Ms. Gulshan Saglam (General Manager)

Biladi: Heritage for peace building

National Network
Lebanon
Address

Lebanese German University, 3rd floor, Sahel Alma
Jounieh 1200
Lebanon

Telephone
+961-3-859723
E-Mail
thisisbiladi@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
yara.kurumilian@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2011
Fields of Activity
  1. Heritage
General Information
« Biladi » est une O.N.G. qui vise à promouvoir le patrimoine culturel et naturel au Liban. Elle s’intéresse à développer le sens de l’attachement des élèves à leur héritage. Etant spécialiste du tourisme pédagogique, elle travaille surtout avec les écoles. Ainsi, et en se basant sur le principe « Apprendre en s’amusant », Biladi développe des  tournées  pédagogiques interactives. C’est l’unique O.N.G au Liban et dans le monde arabe qui organise des tournées pédagogiques aux enfants au Musée National à Beyrouth, le rendant un espace éducatif adapté aux jeunes, créant ainsi une image positive du musée. Dans ce cadre-là, plusieurs projets ont été réalisés. Nous citons : “The Children’s Day at the Museum” en 2011 et qui a été repris sur 4 années consécutives,  « Les 70 ans du Musée National » durant lequel près de 2000 personnes ont visité le musée le 27 mai 2012. Nous ajoutons à celà le travail sur la convention de la Haye, un projet qui s’est déroulé au Musée  National  en  partenariat  avec  le  bureau  de l’UNESCO.  Un  travail qui consistait  à sensibiliser les jeunes à la protection des biens culturels en cas de conflit armé. «  Biladi » a pris en charge aussi de filmer des courts documentaires pédagogiques portant sur différents objets du musée. Ces films pourront être un support  visuel puissant  pour toute démarche  pédagogique adoptée. En outre, le projet «Midani » réalisé à Zgharta-Ehden consistait à lancer une compétition entre les élèves devant présenter un projet qui vise à développer et protéger le « Midan » sous le concept : « Midan Ehden: Un espace de rencontre, un témoin de l'histoire, un espoir pour l'avenir et un pôle social, culturel, économique et touristique principalement au nord du Liban ». A ajouter toutes les tournées pédagogiques sur différents sites Libanais : Smar Jbeil, Jbeil, Beyrouth, Saida, Msaylaha…Toutes les tournées renferment des ateliers artistiques reliés au thème évoqué, permettant aux élèves d’assimiler les informations apprises durant la visite. Biladi" is an N.G.O. that aims to promote the cultural and natural heritage in Lebanon. We are interested in developing the students’ sense of attachment to their heritage. As a specialist in educational tourism, we work primarily with schools. Therefore, and based on the principle "Learning is fun", Biladi develops interactive educational tours. It is the only N.G.O. in Lebanon and the Arab world that organizes educational tours for children at the National Museum of Beirut, making it an educational space suitable for young, creating a positive image of the museum. In that context, several projects were carried out. We quote: "The Children's Day at the Museum" in 2011 and was taken on for 4 consecutive years, "The 70 years of the National Museum" in which nearly 2,000 people have visited the museum on May 27, 2012. In addition, we add our work on the Hague Convention, a project that took place at the National Museum in partnership with the UNESCO Office. It was an awareness project for the students to protect cultural property during armed conflict."Biladi" has filmed educational short documentaries on various objects in the museum. These movies can be a powerful visual support for any educational approach adopted. In addition, the project "Midani" was realized in Zgharta-Ehden where we launched a competition among students to present a project that develops and protects the "Midan" under the concept "Midan Ehden: A meeting place, a witness of history, a hope for the future and a social, cultural, economic and touristic pole mainly in northern Lebanon". In addition, we organize educational tours on different Lebanese sites: Smar Jbeil, Jbeil, Beirut, Saida, Msaylaha... All tours contain artistic workshops linked to the mentioned theme, allowing students to assimilate the information learned during the visit.
Mission and Objectives

BILADI is an N.G.O dedicated to promoting cultural and natural heritage to youngsters. We believe that our heritage is unique and irreplaceable. BUT, in post-conflict countries, globalization and psychological barriers have separated youngsters from their heritage. We believe that our mission is to re-establish this link, to give youngsters the chance to learn about their heritage, cherish it and build bridges through it .We are committed to an international vision of cultural heritage preservation and education. While visiting sites all over Lebanon, students will get the chance to increase their knowledge, live the history of their country and most importantly, learn about it in an entertaining technique. To achieve our goals, we have created our own concept: “Enjoy heritage”. We consider the youth as the main actors of change. Our aim is to establish a sense of cultural belonging that would engender a cohesive social force, while retaining the wealth of our cultural diversity.

Main Projects / Activities

Animators for Dialogue: training workshop for 25 youngsters from different religious communities, backgrounds, majors and interests. Courses included communication&leadership skills, history & heritage of Lebanon,improvisational theater,religion,etc. Lebanese for Lebanon: A team of 14 first aiders was trained to help and act promptly in cooperation with DGA staff in order to protect and secure the movable and immovable cultural heritage if emergencies occur. The National Museum has turned 70: Lebanese were invited to visit the museum for free on this occasion and discover its wealthy collection through a special program (storyteller,musician,mimes,puppet show,etc.) Guidebook for Baalbeck: write a guidebook in English and Arabic, create a cookbook especially for the city and establish a touristic trail for the city of Baalbeck. Children's Day at the Museum: 1,200 students from public schools visited the museum with Biladi during an unforgettable day. A unique tour, a workshop and a movie projection were on schedule.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ms. Yara Kurumilian
Job Title
Assistant Manager
Head of the organisation
Mrs. Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly
Good Practice
Media
Culture
Gender
Image
Good Practice Illustration

Breaking the Veils: Women artists from the Islamic World

An international touring Painting exhibition curated and assembled by the Royal Society of Fine Arts of Jordan and the Pan-Mediterranean Women Artists Network F.A. M (Femme –Art –Méditerranée) based in Greece. It included 70 artworks by 51 female artists from...