Dar El Awlad has its origins in the vision of Mr. C.F. Agerstrand, who was deeply touched by the needs of the destitute children he saw living in the slums of Beirut. His response was to open a small children's home in an apartment in Beirut, providing food, education, and Bible teaching to a handful of children. Two years later the ministry became part of Kids Alive International, known at that time as the 'Home of Onesiphorus'.

During 1956 the home (called the Near East Boys Home, 'Dar El Awlad') move from Beirut to the small village of Mansourieh, in the hills overlooking the city. Many years later the formal educational role of Dar El Awlad was expanded upon when a primary school was open on campus. Though the school was officially opened during 1999 classes had already began as early as 1997. While Dar El Awlad's younger residents attend this small, intimate school the doors have been opened up to allow immigrant children and those who might otherwise be overlooked for an education to attend. As of 2012 we've enrolled 80 children into this educational program, maxing out our capacity for the time being!

The Bell House opened its doors during 2008 as a transitional living program to aid our older residents as they move from adolescence to adulthood. Dar El Awlad, in partnership with two other NGO's, recently started the New Horizons Center (near Saida) to serve the bedouin and gypsy populations living along the coastal south of Lebanon.

During Autumn 2014 we will be opening our Oasis program, reaching out to the children of Syrian refugees. The Oasis day program will primarily focus on providing an educational experience for up to 60 children who are displaced as a result of war and who cannot enter into a traditional school at this time.