Human Concern International (HCI) Middle East Region has been actively involved in Lebanon since 1989 operating autonomously from Human Concern International head office in Ottawa-Canada, as a non-political non-sectarian NGO.

HCI regional office in Lebanon is actively involved in building self-sustainable short and long term development projects in addition to providing relief and humanitarian assistance that foster self-reliance, self-directness and preserves human dignity for the sake of the disadvantaged groups in Sudan, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon.

SEVERAL STORIES, ONE HISTORY

History can be traced by a thread of unfortunate events, sad tales of families, recurring narratives of occupied lands, and sights of depopulated regions. History is a collective entity, perhaps best thought of as a collection of small stories that add up, annul each other, and sometimes overlap. If we think of history as one unfolding narrative composed of tiny little fragments, it might be possible to alter it. Stories can change and destinies can be altered because the core of every story is not the event itself but the one igniting it: the human being. The human being is all powerful; he can start a war and bring peace, he can kill and he can give birth, he can damage and he can repair. It's all a matter of choice.

Human Concern International (HCI) Middle East Region has made a choice, one that it is fully committed to. HCI has been actively involved in the region since 1989 as a non-political, non-sectarian NGO.

Being active and rigorous in helping disadvantaged groups in Sudan, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon, has always been HCI's main concern.

VISION and SCOPE

HCI's vision is not utopian but very practical; our beliefs materialize into fieldwork, our convictions into palpable results. HCI utilizes a set of concrete and effective approaches, from small-scale to large-scale interventions, from the institutional to the humane.

The most vulnerable - regardless of color, race, religion, and gender - need constant and unconditional support. HCI attempts to provide that kind of support in a compassionate and dignified manner, support that first comes as a form of help, and that paves a way for the people's eventual autonomy.

Poverty is undoubtedly one of the obstacles that are the hardest to break. HCI, through several activities and interventions, contributes to poverty alleviation, hopefully bettering the socio-economic life for disadvantaged groups.

It is a well-known fact that holistic programs are among the most effective development approaches. That is why HCI develops targeted, cost-effective, sustainable, tailored, and pro-poor programs. Long-term development is one of our key participatory approaches.

We also ensure fostering self-reliance, self-directness, peaceful coexistence, pluralism, gender equality, tolerance and non-violence.

Progress is not always easy. HCI helps strengthen the capacity of individuals, organizations, institutions and community groups to bring change from within.

HCI always aims to maintain high standards in the design and delivery of its initiatives, particularly in the areas of transparency, accountability, and equal opportunities.

Sustainable relief and support needs not only a solid structure, but also strong human resources. HCI brings together a multi-disciplinary regional team of exceptionally talented and dedicated development professionals supported by a well seasoned pool of regional experts.

Furthermore, HCI assembles a quality network of local, regional and international partners to enhance the scope and capacity of our programs, which incorporate community groups, NGOs, donors, foundations, research institutes, universities, and private sector associates.

Perhaps the most important strength we possess is our commitment to innovation, excellence, professionalism and appropriateness.

TIMELINE

Every achievement or failure can be determined by a very crucial factor: time. Time is the backdrop of all events, ranging from the most epic and historic to the most intimate and domestic. When someone wishes to question the nature of an event or element, its strength and weaknesses, he/she often asks: Will it stand the test of time?

The productivity of an organization lies in its ability to "stand the test of time". Only an organization that has clearly-set goals and ever-growing plans can survive. Being an organization with deeply rooted beliefs and solidly executed actions, HCI has been constantly developing, expanding both in terms of geographical and relief outreach.

Human Concern International bases it activities on two kinds of projects: those that are executed and accomplished in a clearly-defined time-span on one hand, and ongoing, evolving projects on the other. Here's a timeline of our projects and programs:

From 1989 till 1995, HCI-ME was considered one of the major relief organizations in Lebanon, directly assisting thousands of disadvantaged groups in the post civil-war period. HCI's Child Sponsorship Program was launched during this period. Agriculture support projects for small farmers were initiated. Wells and irrigation channels were installed.

In the years between 1995 and 2000, HCI worked towards becoming a Grant-maker, supporting good works and good people in Lebanon and building self-sustainable short and long term development projects. During this period, five micro-credit funds were set up in Lebanon. Vocational training for women and girls were offered. Business development services for windows were provided. Small grants for local NGOs were granted.

In the early 2000s, HCI-ME expanded its operations to include five other countries in the MENA region, namely Sudan, Egypt, West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, and Iraq. Shipments carrying medicines were transported to Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan and Iraq. Projects assisting refugees and the displaced in Iraq, Sudan and Jordan were implemented. Nutritional support for kindergarten students were provided in the West Bank. Schools were rehabilitated in Sudan.

In 2008, HCI-ME's transition to a development and relief organization was finally complete. The organization was now managing, tracking, staffing, and reporting on tens of development projects in as many as six countries at any given time. Quick impact projects were implemented all over the region. Mobile clinics were set up for new settlers in Egypt. A fully equipped health center was completed in the settlements in Sudan. Olive oil was promoted in the West Bank. Capacity Building workshops for local NGOs were offered. Schools and kindergartens rehabilitation, livelihood development, agriculture and backyard production development, FI and NFI distributions, mobile clinics, food banks, and psychosocial support for children projects were implemented in Gaza. Healthy eating habits among school children; agriculture support for low-income small farmers; empowerment of youth groups in poor urban neighborhoods; and business development for landmine victims were promoted in Lebanon.