Location: Anjar, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Principal: Rev Raffi Messerlian
Founded: 1947
How it all started
The village of
Anjar is an Armenian settlement located in the
Bekaa
Valley, almost 30 miles east of
Beirut. About 3,000 people live in this agricultural village, working on
the surrounding farms, which grow a variety of fruit and vegetables in the
warm climate. In 1939 the scene was quite different. Thousands of
Armenian families came, seeking refuge, living in tents, without food,
work, schools or medical attention. Swiss missionaries brought relief,
and began their work in 1947, which included opening a school with 43
girls, in the corner of a church.
Current activities
The School now has around 350 boys and girls, aged between 4 and 18 years.
About 120 of the students are boarders, who come from Beirut or as far away
as Syria and Jordan, whilst the other pupils live in the village and travel
to school daily. The School’s aim is to help each child grow, spiritually,
physically and mentally within a healthy environment.
Most of the children at the school are from Armenian Christian families, but children from other faiths and nationalities are also accepted and welcomed. The children come mainly from poor families, which means that, although their parents make a contribution towards their school fees, the amount paid is only a fraction of the real cost.
The boarding section was begun in 1955, and cares for children from very poor or broken families. The boarders live in one of three ‘homes’, one for the younger boys, one for the older boys, and a section for the girls. House parents help to provide a family atmosphere in each of these homes, and the playrooms have plenty of pictures, plants and toys. Some of the boarders attend this school because the climate and altitude of Anjar is a very suitable place for children with bronchitis or asthma. All of the boarders go home to their families during the school holidays.
The school teaches the national Lebanese curriculum to a high standard, including computer studies, music and sports. In addition to this, pupils receive lessons in Armenian History and Culture. The main language is Armenian, but the children also learn Arabic and English. Anjar’s peaceful natural environment provides space for many extra-curricular activities, such as sports, walking, picnics, social games, music and art.
All the children join in morning Chapel before school starts, and the boarders have evening prayers as well.
Lebanon is peaceful now, but there is still much
unemployment, poverty and insecurity so sponsorship is greatly appreciated
by the children and the staff. Thank you for helping a child to feel secure
and to have a Christian education.
