How it all started

Many of the Armenian community in Lebanon fled from Armenia during the genocide of 1915, in which historians estimate the Turks massacred over one-and-a-half million Armenians. More Armenians fled their homeland in 1922, following another massacre, again settling in nearby countries, including Lebanon.

The Centres for Armenian Handicapped in Lebanon (CAHL) began soon after this, as the Armenian Institute for the Blind. Over the years, the need for a home for visually-impaired people began to lessen and so the Centre widened its focus, to include children who were hearing-impaired. In 1971, a new department was opened for children with learning disabilities. This was the first such educational and vocational training facility for Armenian children in the Middle East and as such, the number of children attending grew rapidly.
 

Current activities
About 50 boys and girls with learning difficulties attend CAHL, divided into six Special Classes according to their educational level. Most of these children also have emotional, behavioural and social problems as well as their learning difficulties.

Because the students have found it difficult, if not impossible, to integrate well into mainstream schools, the Special Classes provide them with a high standard of education that they would not otherwise receive.

As well as following the Lebanese educational curriculum, the Centre covers a wide range of subjects, incorporating as many different aspects of life as possible. These include lessons in hygiene, table manners and social skills. The pupils learn three languages (Armenian, Arabic and English), and all are taught about the Bible. Extra-curricular school trips, such as outings to the beach or into the countryside, are organised whenever possible.

CAHL does not just look after the children’s educational and social development but, thanks to a BibleLands’ grant, is able to provide a nourishing midday meal to each child, helping to care for their physical wellbeing.

When the time comes for the students to leave the Centre, the staff help them to find suitable employment, perhaps with their families or in local sheltered workshops.

The Armenian community in Lebanon, which once numbered over 250,000, is decreasing. Following the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), many parents do not have enough money to afford school fees and it is not uncommon to see parents sending their teenage and younger children out to work to supplement the family income. CAHL provides children who are unable to learn in a mainstream environment with not only an education at an appropriate level, but also the chance to remain children for longer.

During the Lebanese civil war, the staff at CAHL continued their care for these special children. Now Lebanon is enjoying a fragile peace, although there is still much unemployment, poverty and uncertainty. The staff at CAHL believe it is the duty of the Christian community to create opportunities for those with special needs, and give grateful thanks to all BibleLands’ supporters who encourage and support them in their work.
 

The Centres for Armenian Handicapped