Our first efforts

A group of human rights activists working with Amnesty International in Lebanon became aware of the precarious and vulnerable situation that many refugees and migrants face in this country. The specific case of a Sudanese family touched them deeply and convinced them to take concrete actions. From its beginnings in 1999 until the year 2003, Insan organized Summer School programs for children of refugees who had no access to education because of lack of legal papers. The summer school opened its doors for two months every summer and welcomed up to 150 children every year. This program continues until today. In addition, language courses and workshops about hygiene and health issues were organized for adults. Each year three sessions took place encompassing 15-20 adults each time.

Establishment and consolidation of our core activities

In 2004 Insan started its first regular educational program, Insan School which until today represents the heart of Insan’s activities. From 2004 until today more than 400 children between the age of 4 and 17 received education at “Insan School”. From the start Insan was conscious of the fact that these children needed more than just education, which is why they and their families were supported and guided by social workers. In the last eight years Insan’s team of social workers assisted about 4000 individuals by assessing their needs and helping them to deal with the daily challenges they face. The often very unstable environment, in which children of refugees and migrants are growing up, can in certain cases constitute a great risk for them. In 2005 Insan created “Insan House” to be able to provide these children with a temporary shelter until they can return to their families. From 2005 until 2012 Insan House served as a home for 16 children. In 2006 Insan started to follow up on the students that once intended Insan School by helping them to integrate in a regular school or vocational training center.

Extension and diversification of our programs

Psychological support and legal advice and counselling (2008-2010); In 2008 Insan created its psychological department after having realized that there is an immense need for psychological support among the beneficiaries. Between 2008 and 2012 more than 900 individuals (children and adults) received psychological assistance in form of individual or group sessions. In addition to that, Insan started giving legal advice and counselling in 2008, since the majority of beneficiaries have no legal status. So far, more than 300 individuals received legal counselling and support in regularizing their legal situation, mainly through trying to obtain legal papers. In addition to providing support for refugees detained for illegal entry or stay in Lebanon. In 2009 activities for street children were introduced to offer an alternative to the children who spend all day in the streets of Beirut selling different items or just begging. Every year a group of 30 to 50 children benefit every day from basic education and recreational activities conducted at Insan. In 2009 a recreational program for children from the neighbourhood was introduced. “Ludoteque” (a games library) has so far welcomed 350 children to come and play at Insan twice a week. Furthermore, in 2010 music, art and theatre classes were offered to the children at Insan School and from outside. “Insan School of Arts” for one school year provided 68 children with intensive and professional art classes in music, theatre and crafts.

Forming a new pillar

Insan Association has always been engaged in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of its beneficiaries through organising conferences and awareness sessions on crucial human rights issues. Since 2010 Insan has started to expand these activities by creating an advocacy strategy and declaring advocacy as one of its three main pillars. In total around 30 conferences and awareness sessions have been organised. An advocacy campaign sensitising the public for the situation of migrant domestic workers and their children through events, brochures and posters is currently being implemented. Towards the end of 2012- Where we stand today Insan Association proudly looks back on a history of more than 10 years working with the most underprivileged people in Lebanon. Throughout the years the programs have been adapted and extended based on the needs of our beneficiaries. Through its close contact to the communities Insan is always directly informed of the situation and problems of the people we care for. Today we can be confident in saying that we provide access to nearly all services that are demanded by our beneficiaries - if not through Insan’s own services, then through a network of partner organisations and institutions they can be referred to. This present report will show the latest evolution of Insan and its new programs launching in 2012.