About Michel Daher Foundation

OUR STORY

From a spark of kindness to a commitment for change: A journey of empathy, action, and enduring impact

It all started back in 1992, when we made the decision to return to our homeland and settle in our village. With a sense of responsibility, we knew that we had a role to play in improving the lives of those around us. We began our charitable work spontaneously, providing support to the people in our immediate surroundings. This initial experience planted the seeds of compassion and ignited our desire to create lasting change.

In 2010, witnessing the healthcare challenges faced by the people in our community, particularly women and children, we embarked on a mission to establish community healthcare centers. These centers would provide quality and accessible healthcare services, ensuring that no one would be left behind when it comes to their well-being.

Two years later, in 2012, we turned a long-held dream into reality. We initiated the annual collective wedding, a remarkable event that brought together couples from various Christian sects. This celebration of love served as a symbol of solidarity within our community, emphasizing the importance of families and unity.

As the years went by, the Michel Daher Foundation’s focus naturally evolved and expanded. In 2014, the foundation was officially registered, marking a significant milestone in our journey.

With an unwavering vision in mind, the foundation’s focus has evolved and expanded. Today, Michel Daher Social Foundation stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the unwavering belief in the potential for positive change.

 

Fueled by optimism and driven by dedication we continue our journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Michel & Marleine Daher

Michel Daher Foundation Founders

OUR FOCUS

COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE

Providing quality healthcare for all

Michel Daher Foundation is committed to providing high-quality and accessible healthcare services to all the people of Bekaa, regardless of their backgrounds or resources.

Our health care centers in Zahle and Ferzol work closely with the ministry of public health, local and international partners to raise awareness on health topics while ensuring access to quality medical care. The services include medical consultations, vaccination, mammography tests, ultrasound, pap smears tests, blood tests, dental care, and the provision of subsidized medicines.

More than 4,000 citizens benefit each month from affordable, yet decent care solutions, making a difference in each individual’s life as well as contributing to a healthier community. 

PCR campaigns and COVID-19 vaccination drives have already benefited more than 12,000 people in 2021.

Economic & Human development

Enhancing economic growth and promoting entrepreneurship and workforce skills

MDF aims to supercharge the Bekaa region’s workforce, encouraging skilled individuals to put down roots and make meaningful contributions locally. We’re helping locals develop their technical-vocational know-how, entrepreneurship acumen, essential soft skills, and job application techniques to confidently join or create vibrant enterprises – driving sustainable growth for everyone involved.

Starting in 2021, our Tech Academy enabled over 750 graduates to become competent and successful digital professionals through online courses covering data science, artificial intelligence, animation, digital marketing, and mobile application development among other exciting and emerging topics.

The Career Bridge Program provided career guidance and soft skills training to more than 6,000  participants. Our Adira project has been empowering more than 25 local women by unifying their Mouneh products under one brand and connecting them with larger markets, including the Lebanese diaspora.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Supporting families and individuals in need

MDF is committed to supporting families and individuals facing economic or health hardships —  positively impacting the lives of many. 

Since 2012, we have helped over 300 couples start their family journeys through our collective weddings, fostered the personal and financial growth of more than 1,500 women with the Ente Adda initiative, and supported more than 10 thousand households in need  —  providing food boxes, medicines, and other forms of aid. 

More recently, we are supporting more than 160 children with communication and education challenges through speech & psychomotor therapy and psychosocial logical support for them and their families.

COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

Strengthening communities and promoting a healthier environment for all

At MDF, we strive to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Lebanon by stimulating environmental awareness and compassion for the distressed.

Through our flagship Fakker Bi2iyan environmental initiative, we conducted 19 clean-up campaigns, collected 48 tons of recyclables, and planted 42 trees. We have also engaged over 3,500 participants in 41 sustainability awareness events — encouraging 1,500+ families and 45 businesses to start waste sorting.

After the Beirut Port blast, we gathered 200 volunteers and provided food boxes and hygiene kits for those affected by the tragedy. We set up 40 temporary shelters at 200 locations and helped repair 40 damaged homes.

OUR TEAM

Over 50 dedicated members driven by a shared vision of positive change

United by our mission, we channel our collective energy to deliver far-reaching impacts in our local communities and beyond. Our team’s unwavering commitment and ceaseless efforts have become the bedrock of the foundation’s work of transforming lives and fostering brighter futures.

OUR IMPACT

Making a positive difference in the lives of more than 39,000 individuals in just one year

The year 2022 was filled with extraordinary accomplishments and noteworthy milestones for the foundation. We expanded our reach and deepened our impact across various sectors, touching the lives of around 40,000 individuals in need. Our efforts focused on providing essential services, empowering communities, and promoting human development and healthcare access for all.

4,100+

Beneficiaries from our economic human development initiatives

3,500+

Beneficiaries from our social development initiatives

6,000+

Beneficiaries from our community and environmental development initiatives

25,500+

Beneficiaries from our healthcare services and initiatives

OUR Partners

We join forces with local and international stakeholders such as government institutions, civil society clubs, private sector companies,  humanitarian institutions, development agencies, and other NGOs that work towards achieving sustainable development goals across Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

We aim to create an enabling environment where every individual can reach their highest potential.