MAR ELIAS REFUGEE CAMP

The smallest camp in Lebanon, Mar Elais was founded in 1952 by the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox convent to accomodate Palestine refugees from the Galilee in northern Palestine. It is located to the southwest of Beirut.

Most of the men in the camp work as casual labourers or small businesses, such as grocery stores or car maintenance workshops. Some women work in sewing factories or as cleaners.

There is a high incidence of chronic disease in this camp, with many refugees suffering from hypertension, cancer and diabetes. Its infrastructure needs comprehensive rehabilitation.

Registered Refugees:

• Total number: 615
• Average family size: 3.76

UNRWA Education Programme

• Schools: One elementary school
• Pupils: 228

UNRWA Relief and Social Services Programme

• Social Safety Net (SSN) Programme beneficiaries: 110 individuals
• Sponsors students with disabilities to attend specialized institutions; students with motor disabilities and visual impairments are streamlined in UNRWA schools.
• Provides children with disabilities psycho-therapy and covers rehabilitation services such as prosthetic and corrective devices.
• Modifies the shelters of students with disabilities mainstreamed in UNRWA schools.
• Gives access to loans

UNRWA Health Programme

• Health centre: 1, regularly visited by specialists in gynecology
• Number of patient consultations per month: 880

Community Services

• A number of local and international NGOs provide services in the camp. They provide cash assistance, vocational training, kindergatens and training centers.