Facing together the challenge of poverty

Tahaddi Lebanon is a local non-profit organization that strives to provide quality health and education services to economically and socially marginalized families in Beirut

"Where would I be if Tahaddi hadn't offered me and my family so much?" Young Salim was visiting the Tahaddi Education Center one day and surprised us with this very touching comment. He had been a student for 5 years and had just completed 9 months of training as a mechanic. Tahaddi means "challenge" in Arabic and it is the challenge of poverty that we take to heart.

This work actually started with just two bags full of medicine and mothers requesting help for their children. Dr Agnès Sanders, a French physician and Catherine Mourtada, a Swiss educator with Middle Eastern roots, used to walk in the dust and mud of the very poor area of Hay el Gharbeh, located in southern Beirut offering what medical assistance they could. It was not unusual for them then to sit with the families and to drink traditional coffee offered to welcome guests. This is how these two women built trust and got to know this extremely poor and vulnerable community. Soon they noticed that the main needs were health and education…. and well, it was a match!

With time, more permanent places were found within the area and two centers were opened to house Tahaddi's activities: a community health center to welcome families, and an education center to offer education to unschooled children.

In 2008, Tahaddi was officially registered as a non-profit organization. Tahaddi Lebanon is independent and has no political affiliations. Our aim is to serve socially vulnerable families and victims of conflict and discrimination, regardless of their nationality, religion and social background. Tahaddi has an active board of directors which ensures good governance and oversight.

A committed team of approximately 45 staff members ensure our centers are open daily and serve the community in line with our five core values of professionalism, transparency, compassion, justice and empowerment.

We further provide education and health services to poor urban communities in Beirut.