The Al-Kafaàt Foundation is a development and nonprofit organization that delivers rehabilitation and education to the Lebanese people. It was founded in 1957 by Nadeem and Lily Shwayri.
Mission
Every man, irrespective of the degree and severity of his handicaps, remains a reservoir of potentials, a source of life, of hope and of joyfulness. The human being transcends every limiting definition that confines him to any aspect or status.
The human potential is an invitation to action and creation, the “handicap” acting as a propulsive force.
Al-Kafaàt is literally “Abilities” in the Arabic language.
Activities
Rehabilitation
Al-Kafaàt’s Specialized Centers deliver free special education, tailor-made rehabilitation and lodging services to children and adults afflicted with intellectual disability (Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and developmental challenges…), physical disability (MS, cerebral pasly, spina bifida, brain or spinal cord injury, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy…), and sensory disability (autism and hearing loss).
Education
Al-Kafaàt delivers primary and secondary education at Notre Dame de Kafaàt (NDK). The school is also known for its special classes that deliver special education to children with special needs.
Awards
Member of the World Commission on Vocational rehabilitation (1963)
Member of the International Cerebral Palsy Society (1979)
Recipient of the Rehabilitation International Presidential Award (1984)
Recipient of the National Order of the Cedars (Knight 1972, Officer 1997, Commander 2007)
Recipient of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North-America Antionian Gold Medal (2010)