The Zvartnotz Centre

More Information:
Founded: 1987

Beginnings:
The Zvartnotz Centre (meaning ‘Angels’) was opened in 1987 in response to a need for a centre for children with learning disabilities in Beirut.

Activities:

• All students follow a personalised programme of learning to suit their individual needs. Many of the students come to the Centre with little or no education. The staff includes eight teachers trained in Special Education and a social worker. If possible, work related skills are taught to the older students and some, especially those with Down’s syndrome, are helped to find employment in their local community.
  
  
• The Centre continues to care for those who cannot take part in vocational training or employment. Zvartnotz provides the children with a midday meal and also supports their families, showing them the best ways of caring for their child and giving them advice about medical and government benefits. Disabled people are still not fully accepted in Lebanese society. The Centre campaigns at both a local and national level, for the favourable recognition of disabled people in the Lebanese community.

Click here for a printable factsheet on Zvartnotz Centre

Click here to download our December 2009 article from The Star in the East Magazine (PDF)