Children in Lebanon received extra special presents over the holiday season thanks to Rotarians in Ireland.
The Kilkenny, Carlow, Newbridge, Raheny, Dublin Fingal, Portlaoise & Youghal Rotary clubs have joined forced to send a shipment of literacy aid to children in Lebanon.
The Rotary Ireland literacy project was supported by Stakelum Office Supplies in Thurles, County Tipperary.
Last November, the Irish Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉireann) who have been deployed to the Middle East this weekend as part of the 115th United Nations Interim Force Battalion, took the materials to the Mediterranean country.
It’s a small, mixed gender primary school for 400 children. They have Syrian refugees in the classes too”
Jason Dempsey, President of Kilkenny Rotary, said he had heard from the Battalion, who confirmed the materials had been safely delivered.
“I think the smiles on the faces of the kids says it all,” said Jason, who thanked the partner clubs for being part of this project. “Let’s hope we can build on it in the future.”
Captain Salma Bedair from the United Nations’ Civil-Military Coordination team said that they had visited a school at Bint Jubayl in south Lebanon.
“It’s a small, mixed gender primary school for 400 children. They have Syrian refugees in the classes too,” he said.
“The primary school really appreciated the stationary and the school equipment. It will go a long way. The kids were delighted too.
“We are going back to the school in January to do English lessons with the older children.
“All the equipment you donated today will facilitate these lessons. Thanks a million to you, the Rotary clubs and Stakelums for the donation.”
