Azahir runs two local community centers: one in Nahr el Bared Palestinian Camp 15km north of Tripoli, and the other in remote village Tel Maayan in Akkar Province, both in Northern Lebanon.

Akkar & North Lebanon have historically been cut off from Beirut and the rest of the country both economically and socially, since the end of the country’s civil war. Akkar is the most impoverished region in the country, with up to 70% of the population living below the poverty line according to the most recent World Bank Report on 2023 (map.)

This region has also been hosting the highest number of refugees and displaced persons since the Syrian War in 2012 up to the war on Lebanon in 2024 when thousands of families fled bombing in the South. Therefore, this region hosts communities of different backgrounds living among one another in vulnerability and deprived economic & delicate political status.

Within this context, from on-the-ground learning, we know that lack of safe spaces for children and youth matched with lack of recreational activities, are a recipe for destabilization and future social problems. Youth lack positive outlets to develop and interact, with too many negative coping mechanisms in their communities.

As for children, they don’t have opportunities to play, to engage with other kids their age in a safe, child friendly environment — so we decided to take action by creating local and accessible community centers focused on programming for children, youth and parents. Places that celebrate culture and promote creative learning.

Nahr el Bared Palestinian Camp was established during the Nakba in 1948, and has transformed into an urban refugee camp hosting over 30,000 people, currently a zone controlled by checkpoints blocking free movement and access.

Nahr el Bared is Azahir’s core center of operation. We believe every child has the right to develop positively towards a bright future, and believe the community itself embraces a rich culture rooted in traditions and progressive narratives. With this we empower our community members to celebrate Palestinian identity and grow communal strength to improve the lives of young and older generations.

Community Centers or social centers have been identified by many studies as “crucial for maintaining social stability and increasing local resilience.” In environments that face sever socio-economic challenges and hardships for daily living, we offer a safe and engaging place for youth and children to develop and grow positively.