It is not an exaggeration to call Lebanon a failed state. The economy is in dire straits, mainly due to corruption and influence peddling at the highest political levels. The middle class is gliding towards poverty, and the poor now form the majority of the population. Even basic services by the state have become unavailable. On top of that, there are the devastating effects of the Coronavirus. Worse, in August this year a large part of Beirut was devastated by a massive explosion.
Rotary In Lebanon is one of the few institutions that still manage to provide efficient services for those in needs. The Rotary Clubs in Lebanon do this skilfully and efficiently, drawing support from their international network.
Our Club has teamed up with the Rotary Club Tripoli Cosmopolis and spearheaded several projects initiatives in Lebanon over the course of the last three years. We have often done so on behalf of Swiss districts, with funding coming from a wide range of Swiss Rotary Clubs. Among those projects are the following:
- Water filtration equipment and clean drinking water for 100 public schools through two Global Grant
- Respirators
and medical equipment for COVID-impacted hospitals in Tripoli
and Zgharta - Medical kit for the paediatric ward of the Karantina hospital in Beirut, destroyed by the explosion - Dental care for poor kids
The actual project work in Lebanon has always been implemented or coordinated by the RC Tripoli Cosmopolis. We have been working hand in hand with members of this club for a full three years now. You will remember that a delegation of the RC Tripoli Cosmopolis participated in the Gala that we organized in support of Lebanon at the Hotel Intercontinental.
RC Tripoli Cosmopolis' President Taha Baroud, former President Rym Dada-Husseini and others will be joining us for a review of the work we did together so far and outlook on the activities in the still ongoing projects. Our club member Hansj-rg Eberle will moderate the event.
