Project Overview:

The project, titled “”Capacity strengthening of educational structures for Lebanese and refugee children with special needs in North Lebanon””, is implemented by Wahat al Farah (WAF). This initiative is supported by Orienthelfer e.V. (Germany) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ). The project is located in Bkeftine, Koura district, Lebanon.The primary objective of this project is to establish a barrier-free educational center in the Bkeftine region of North Lebanon. This center will offer appropriate special education to Lebanese and refugee children with intellectual disabilities or autism. The construction of a new building for the WAF special school, set to be completed by September 2024, will enable an expansion of the student population from approximately 35 to up to 100 students for the 2024-25 school year.

Objective of the Consultancy:

The consultancy aims to provide innovative yet practical recommendations for a long-term funding and financing strategy for Wahat al Farah (WAF), with a specific focus on sustaining the special school’s operations. This will involve a comprehensive assessment of WAF’s current strengths and weaknesses, considering Lebanon’s current situation. The recommendations should encompass potential new income sources, collaboration opportunities, and strategies to reinforce existing ones. Ultimately, the goal is to enable WAF to sustainably finance the special school’s running costs, transportation expenses, and other activities and services.

Consultancy Process:

1. Desk Study and Inception (Phase 1): Salem Group engaged in a kickoff meeting with WAF, Orienthelfer e.V., and other stakeholders to align on project details. Relevant data and contextual documents were shared to facilitate the planning process.

2. Status Review (Phase 2): Salem Group analyzed WAF’s current financial situation, comparing income and expenses. This assessment included potential future expenses and the exploration of new local and international income sources.

3. Workshop with WAF (Phase 3): Salem Group conducted a workshop with WAF administration to present findings and recommendations for discussion.

4. Summarizing Findings and Recommendations (Phase 4): A comprehensive report was prepared, outlining concrete steps and customized solutions for sustainable financing of WAF, particularly for school operations. The report also addressed improved financial and process management practices at WAF.