Children & Youth Center (CYC)
Founded in 1997, the Children and Youth Center (CYC) provides space for the children and youth of Shatila (Chatila) refugee camp, to develop their potential. The CYC is a non-governmental organisation, and caters to all nationalities residing within the camp, including many Syrian and Lebanese children. We believe all children and youth have the right to learn and play, in safety.
The Palestinian children's problems of poverty are exacerbated by isolation and rejection by the host country. Amongst the civil rights abuses, Palestinians living in Lebanon are prohibited from owning or inheriting property, and are barred from most professions. If living nightmares create resentment and frustration, what happens when children are robbed of their dreams too?
Shatila refugee camp primarily exists due to the 1948 Palestinian exodus; at that time over 700,000 people were forced from Palestine, by Zionist aggression. In 1982 Shatila camp was the scene of the Sabra and Shatila massacre of men, women, and children, carried out by the Phalange, and overseen by the Israeli armed forces.
What's On
CYC Magazine Online!
The CYC's Aklamona has entered cyberspace, for all the world to see.
Animated Shatila
Children explore violence & youth in Shatila through the medium of animation.
CYC Guesthouse
Stay at the CYC Guesthouse, and learn about life in Shatila Refugee Camp firsthand.
CYC Magazine - Online
Aklamouna continues to raise awareness among the children and youth, as well as educate outside people on the principals and practices of the CYC. Aklamouna includes an English content section, and tackles a wide range of topics.
Volunteer
If you're interested in volunteering your best tool is your imagination. Use what you've learned so far.
CYC Gallery
Continually updated selection of photographs from Shatila and the CYC.
© Copyright 2005 Children and Youth Centre - Shatila Refugee Camp, Beirut, Lebanon.
