The Power of Solar: Saving a Center for Children with Disabilities in Lebanon
In North Lebanon, Al Manhaj's Ability Center for children with disabilities is the only of its kind. Currently, the Center is in danger of closing down due to soaring energy expenses, leaving vulnerable children and their parents with nowhere to turn.
With your generous support, Aid Pioneers can install a solar system, providing a swift and sustainable solution to the center’s acute electricity shortage.
Your contribution makes it possible for the Ability Center to keep its doors open for families affected by Lebanon's escalating energy crisis.
In Tripoli, Lebanon, Al Manhaj's Ability Center is a lifeline. Here, children can joyfully spend their day while their parents work, knowing their children are in safe hands. At Al Manhaj, health improves, skills develop, and friendships flourish.
The failing electricity grid in Lebanon has made the center reliant on costly diesel generators. As fuel prices soar, the center is forced to decide between reducing operations or raising fees, putting vulnerable children at risk of losing access to their second home.
Your support introduces a third option: a solar solution.
Aid Pioneers aims to crowdfund €10,000 in order to set up a solar power system comprising of 18 solar panels, two inverters, two lithium batteries, and a steel structure. If we succeed, Al Manhaj’s Center for children with disabilities gets a reliable, clean, and affordable energy source that improves the quality of life and educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
Project goal
In Lebanon, the public grid provides only two hours of electricity daily, forcing the center to rely on expensive and polluting diesel generators.
Faced with the grid’s shortcomings and mounting diesel bills, the Center started to explore alternatives and found sustainable and cost-effective solar panels to be the most promising solution.
Project background
“By installing a solar power system, we can ensure that the Ability Center stays open and can help more children.”
Bouchra Hijazi, spokesperson for Al Manhaj.
While seeking funding for the solar system, however, the center faced challenges in securing support. Small organizations are often denied grants and loans, or given unfavourable terms.
To address this issue, we at Aid Pioneers make solar systems and shipping affordable through our global network of partners. We provide flexible financing options, including low-interest loans and crowdfunding, for organizations that may struggle to afford even these reduced prices.
Winter is here
As temperatures in Lebanon drop to around ten degrees and the sun sets shortly after 4 pm, the Center's energy needs are greater than ever. Your support ensures heating, lighting, hot meals, and digital learning for the children all year round.
10°C
Night temperature
16:30
Sunset
FAQ Al Manhaj’s Ability Center
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Al Manhaj Ability Center offers quality care and education for children with mental and physical disabilities. As the only facility of its kind in northern Lebanon, the center is a vital resource for the community.
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Under the guidance of a clinical psychologist, the center sets high standards in education, medical treatment, physiotherapy, nursing, and healthy eating. Learn more on Al Manhaj’s website.
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The center can accommodate approximately 80 children, aged 18 months to 18 years.
Situated in Tripoli, nearly 70% of the children at the center are Syrian refugees, and most of their families are struggling financially. The Ability Center is the only refuge for these children, filling a gap in services for communities left unsupported by the Lebanese government.
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