ABOUT US

Just.Childhood began as a community initiative addressing educational needs in Palestinian refugee camps, with a strong focus on improving early childhood education. Since then, the organization has remained community-centered, responding directly to local needs.

Registered as a local, non-profit NGO in Lebanon since 2014, Just.Childhood operates independently and is politically and religiously neutral. Its work spans education, psycho-social support, and sports for development.

Our mission is to protect the childhood of socially marginalized and traumatized children by ensuring their right to play, learn, and grow in safe environments. Grounded in Waldorf pedagogy, our programs emphasize early childhood education as the foundation for lifelong learning and social well-being, contributing to a more just, peaceful, and compassionate society through three integrated program areas.

Our work focuses on children and young people aged 3 to 18 living in refugee camps and underserved communities across Lebanon, particularly Palestinian and Syrian refugees and marginalized Lebanese children. Growing up amid displacement, poverty, and instability, many face serious challenges affecting their well-being, education, and development. Our programs respond to these realities with care, dignity, and a long-term perspective.

We place children and adolescents at the center of our work, creating inclusive spaces that ensure equal opportunities for girls and boys regardless of nationality or socioeconomic background. Through safe learning environments and psychosocial support, we help children build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Recognizing the vital role of families, we actively engage parents and caregivers through guidance, workshops, and ongoing support that strengthen positive parenting and foster supportive home environments. We also promote community cohesion by encouraging mutual support and shared responsibility for children’s well-being.

Our impact is driven by qualified and dedicated educators and program staff. We invest in continuous professional development, including training in early childhood education, emergency pedagogy, and trauma-informed approaches, while also extending capacity-building support to educators and social workers from partner organizations. Whenever possible, we hire from within the communities we serve to strengthen local ownership.

Through close collaboration with local and international partners and donors, our work creates positive ripple effects beyond individual beneficiaries. By strengthening children, families, and communities, we contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and compassionate society where every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.