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Draft:Beirut Association For Social Development

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Beirut Association for Social Development (BASD) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, on New Road, Bustani Street, near Al-Mukhtar Al-Arab.[1] Established in 1998,[2] BASD is dedicated to promoting social and economic transformation for the most vulnerable members of society, especially children and youth. The organization's mission focuses on empowerment, capacity building, and sustainable development, irrespective of individuals' nationality, religion, or social status.

Mission and Objectives

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Beirut Association for Social Development (BASD) aims to foster social welfare, empowerment, and community resilience through various programs. BASD's work includes:

Conducting studies and research

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Organizing cultural activities Providing charitable assistance Supporting economic and social empowerment Implementing healthcare management and awareness initiatives Through these initiatives, BASD strives to build a sustainable community by enhancing self-reliance and personal growth for those facing economic hardship.

Historical Background

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Since its establishment in 1998,[3] BASD has faced challenges due to Lebanon's recurring economic crises. After the 2005 downturn, a significant decrease in donations affected BASD's fundraising, leading to the temporary deactivation of its finance committee and eventual closures of some facilities. In 2011, Lebanon's deteriorating economy further strained public support services, increasing poverty and unemployment rates to critical levels. This environment underscored the urgent need for BASD's work.

With strategic planning and a renewed funding drive, BASD reactivated its operations by the end of 2019, securing local and global funding to resume its mission. Since then, BASD has continued its commitment to supporting and empowering the local community.

Key Programs and Initiatives

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Education: BASD believes in education as a tool for social transformation. The organization provides scholarships, tutoring, and mentorship to disadvantaged students. Collaborations with Lebanese universities, such as AUL, LIU, and Balamand University,[4][5][6] expand educational access through scholarships, internships, and career-focused training.

Healthcare: Acknowledging the importance of healthcare in community well-being, BASD operates healthcare centers in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Health. These centers, located in Zahriyeh - Tripoli,[7] Bet El-Faes - Tripoli,[8] Tamlees - Beirut, Khalda, and Shouf, offer primary medical services, chronic disease management, maternal and child health, and preventive health education.

Humanitarian Efforts: BASD provides crisis relief and ongoing support for vulnerable populations. Programs include food distribution, housing support, and psychosocial care. Partnerships with organizations like King Salman Humanitarian Aid and UAE AID amplify these efforts, particularly in response to the Beirut explosion.[9]

Sports and Youth Empowerment: BASD promotes sports as a means of social inclusion, supporting athletes across sports such as football, basketball, and beach volleyball. Through its Sports Academy, BASD offers a safe, empowering environment for youth, fostering teamwork and physical fitness.[10]

Community Impact and Achievements

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One of BASD's notable collaborations involves the Beirut Bakery and Sports Academy programs. Together, these initiatives support vulnerable communities by providing 2,000 bread packages daily and offering youth empowerment through sports.[11] BASD's work has proven instrumental in assisting affected populations and promoting social resilience.

Looking to the future, BASD remains dedicated to fostering sustainable development, addressing Lebanon's evolving social challenges, and creating an inclusive, resilient community.

References

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  1. ^ "Location of Beirut Association for Social Development". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  2. ^ "Lebanese Law". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  3. ^ "Lebanese Law". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  4. ^ "Education Partnership with AUL". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  5. ^ "Education Partnership with LIU". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  6. ^ "Education Partnership with Balamand". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  7. ^ "Healthcare Center in Zahriyeh". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  8. ^ "Healthcare Center in Bet El-Faes". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  9. ^ "Beirut Explosion Relief". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  10. ^ "Sports Academy". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
  11. ^ "Beirut Bakery and Sports Academy Collaboration". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
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