Projects

Short Description:

Overall goal

The project contributes to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities in schools and informal tented settlements (ITSs) in Baalbek-Hermel through a gender- and conflict-sensitive approach.

The project has three specific outcomes: 1) Lebanese and Syrian female and male students have improved, sustainable and inclusive access to safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices that address gender-specific needs in targeted schools in Baalbek-Hermel. 2) Female students are empowered to practice safe and dignified menstrual hygiene management in targeted schools in Baalbek-Hermel. 3) Households (HH) in Informal Tented Settlements (ITSs) have improved hygiene practices and access to sustainable safe water and sanitation facilities in Baalbek-Hermel.

Expected results

1.1) Rehabilitated water facilities in 14 schools are operational as per safe water standards and environmentally sustainable.

1.2) 5,880 female and male students benefit from access to safe sanitation facilities that ensure hygienic disposal and management of excreta and consider needs of women and people with disabilities.

1.3) 5,880 female and male students are aware of key public health risks related to WASH.

1.4) 14 operation and maintenance committees increased their knowledge on hygiene practices and facility maintenance.

2.1) 4,480 female students have increased their knowledge about menstrual hygiene management and access to appropriate items.

3.1) Target population in ITSs is sensitized on key public health risks related to WASH.

3.2) 120 households' water and sanitary conditions are improved and maintained in ITSs.

3.3) 12 community operation and maintenance committees are able to perform hygiene promotion (HP), operation and maintenance activities.

Target group / Beneficiaries

a) Target group: The total direct beneficiaries are 6,676 people, with 50% being Syrian refugees and 50% being Lebanese (53% female and 47% male). Overall, 30,030 indirect beneficiaries will be reached, consisting of 630 teachers of the targeted schools and 5,880 families of the targeted students (29,400 people).

b) Implementing Partners of the Applicant: Lebanese Red Cross (LRC).

c) Exact Location: Baalbek-Hermel gouvernorat: School locations to be decided at baseline, and ITSs in Hauch el Rafqah and Masharih al Qaa.

Activities

Assessments and participatory planning of all activities in the project:

1) In schools: Rehabilitation/ installation of hand-washing, drinking-water and sanitation facilities (incl. solar-panels, accessibility), installation of water treatment systems, water testing, rehabilitation of sewage networks and grey water management, soft WASH sessions, distribution of student hygiene kits, training of operation & maintenance committees.

2) In schools: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) awareness sessions, MHM kits distribution, installation of sanitary pad dispenser, distribution of vouchers.

3) In ITSs: Hygiene promotion sessions, distribution and installation of water storage items, water filters, water testing, construction of toilets, site improvement for flooding prevention, training of operation & maintenance committees.

Context

Lebanon continues to host the highest number of displaced persons per capita in the world: an estimated 1.5 million Syrians reside in the country, making up more than 20% of Lebanon’s population. This is coupled with an economic and financial crisis with a downfall of the GDP by 40% in 2020, a deterioration of the Lebanese Pound and a shortage of dollars, which resulted in major price increases. Since March 2020, the Covid-19 outbreak and its containment measures have further worsened the economic crisis and overburdened national infrastructure. 23,2% of Lebanese are reported to have plunged into extreme poverty. The multiple compounding crisis that is affecting Lebanon has been aggravated by the Beirut Port Explosions in August 2020. Baalbek-Hermel and the Bekaa governorate host the highest number of refugees: 76% of the total refugee population residing in the country. Various assessments show the high demand of WASH support in schools and ITSs in the area. The intervention strengthens the resilience of individuals to better cope with the negative impacts of the multiple crises Lebanon is facing (impact of conflict in neighbouring Syria, economic crisis, and Covid-19).