In Bab el-Raml, an underserved neighbourhood in Tripoli, Lebanon, children are beginning a learning journey that will eventually take them beyond the classroom and into community action.
Through the TARABUT Project, supported by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Safadi Foundation, Ajialouna is bringing Aflatoun’s social and financial education programmes to the neighbourhood.
The initiative aims to engage 160 children and adolescents, 40 mothers and 20 educators. By involving families and the people who support children’s learning, it connects personal development with opportunities to contribute to community life.
Activities focus on building confidence, understanding emotions and making informed financial decisions. Social inclusion, gender equality and peaceful communication are also central to the approach.
Learning through play and sport
For children aged six to nine, AflaClub offers interactive sessions that explore everyday choices and relationships. Children develop life skills while learning about financial literacy, respecting differences and taking initiative.
For adolescents aged 15–17, AflaSports combines volleyball with opportunities to practise teamwork, discipline and conflict resolution. The sporting activities bring these skills into a setting where cooperation and sportsmanship are part of participation.
Together, these programmes offer different ways for children and adolescents to engage with social learning, through activities suited to their age groups.
Supporting mothers and educators
The initiative also recognises the role of adults in children’s development.
Through AflaMothers, workshops will support mothers with positive parenting techniques and financial management skills. Participants will also have opportunities to develop community initiatives, connecting their learning with priorities in their neighbourhood.
AflaTeachers equips educators, facilitators and coaches with Aflatoun’s participatory learning methods. The training covers positive discipline and child protection, alongside approaches that encourage children to take an active role in learning.
Implementation is already underway. Following a two-day AflaTeachers training on 3–4 October, AflaClub activities began at Aseel School and Tajrouba Center. Children are now taking part in interactive learning and collaborative activities.
Putting ideas into practice
Towards the end of the programme, children and mothers will design and carry out social projects responding to needs they identify in Bab el-Raml.
These projects will give participants opportunities to consider local challenges, work together on solutions and manage the resources available to them. They will provide a practical setting for applying the skills explored during the sessions.
The ambition is to connect learning across the classroom, home and neighbourhood. With children, mothers and educators involved, the initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion and support participants to help shape their community’s future.