Ayadina Association for Senior Citizens and Children in Lebanon

Ayadina Association is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental and politically independent association dedicated to community development with a focus on the senior citizens and children in the Sin el Fil/Nabaa area, one of the most impoverished areas of Beirut.  It was licensed by the Lebanese government per notification number 88/ad dated 15/9/2004.

The Ayadina center offers our Senior Citizens the following:

medical assistance (i.e.: healthcare, hospitalization, and follow-up medication), physical fitness classes, health and social awareness programs, healthy meals, trips, and most importantly, companionship. The number of beneficiaries for this program is around sixty.

For our children, Ayadina offers:

Fine and Performing Arts program unique in its kind in Lebanon. The program is both cultural and creative educational. It targets the underprivileged children from 5 to 15 years of age.  According to a survey done in 2004 by the Faculty of Health Science at the American University of Beirut over 40% of the children are enrolled in public schools that offer no form of creative /artistic instruction or training.   Many children are not enrolled in schools. Little has changed in the area since this survey was made. The fine and performing arts program offers courses in drama, ballet, modern dance, choir music, guitar and piano, painting and drawing.

The objectives are:

Ø      To cultivate untapped talent, enhance basic language and analytical skills as well as awaken interest and enthusiasm for learning

Ø      To improve self esteem through personal fulfillment and social interaction

Ø      To prevent juvenile delinquency by channeling at risk youth’s energies toward cultural/educational activities.

Ayadina aims to create a model for prevention of juvenile delinquency in Lebanon by helping create a future for children with no or little future.

Thus the center uses art as a tool for community transformation through the different programs mentioned above
The children at Ayadina come from families that struggle economically.  Alcoholism and domestic violence are not uncommon.  Many of the children display symptoms of coming from abusive homes (our teachers have received training in detecting trauma.)  The teachers report that as the year progresses the children display more confidence in themselves, become less aggressive or introvert displaying a willingness to work cooperatively, as well as improvement in their academic performance at school.  Parents look upon Ayadina as a safe haven for their children. The number of children in the program is 150.

All teachers are professionals in their fields.  They accept a minimum salary looking upon their teaching at Ayadina as a commitment to the community.

In parallel to regular artistic classes, we have a program run by international transfer students who volunteer to spend time with the children.  These programs attract other youngsters from the neighborhood and consist of arts and crafts, storytelling, and environmental awareness.

In a safe and positive environment, Ayadina Association provides joy and hope for the children of today and those of yesterday, regardless of religion, gender, race and nationality.