Lebanon
Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program
MLI has donated 41 life-saving dogs to the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) and the Lebanese Armed Forces in Lebanon since 2001. In 2023, the latest two MDDs arrived in Beiruit to replace dogs that had recently been retired. Since 2001, the MDDs have searched well over one million square meters, the equivalent of more than 400 acres, of mine-affected land in Lebanon.
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Current Need: LMAC will soon be retiring several MDDs and MLI is fundraising to replace these hero canines to help LMAC continue demining operations. To maintain operations at the current level, the LMAC needs two Mine Detection Dogs. The organization's plans for this year include clearing large minefields in Lebanon's northeastern border, an area that suffered from the ISIS occupation.
Peace through Sport
In 2021, MLI launched the Peace Through Sport (PTS) project in partnership with Anera. PTS unites youth from the U.S. and Lebanon for an eight-week virtual exchange program to promote social cohesion, foster civic engagement, and showcase U.S. values through the lens of sport. During the first two-year installment of the program held from 2021 to 2023, over 400 young people met virtually, heard from American and Lebanese sports representatives, and implemented projects that positively impacted 6,600 people in their communities. A total of eight rounds were held through a grant generously funded by the US Embassy in Beirut. 🇺🇸
MLI plans to continue PTS in the coming school year. If you or someone you know are interested in joining this program as a student or teacher, you can learn more here.
Survivors' Assistance
In September 2011, MLI and the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) traveled to Lebanon to assess the needs of landmine survivors throughout the country. MLI and the ATFL determined that a robust program was needed to support Lebanese non-profit organizations that provide medical and vocational assistance to mine and cluster munitions survivors. This project, funded by the U.S. Department of State and private donors helped more than 400 mine survivors between 2012 and 2018. Each year, between 75-100 Lebanese mine/UXO survivors in need of medical assistance were identified and their needs were assessed. Following the assessment, those with medical or prosthesis needs were provided treatment and high-quality limbs, and those in need of employment or other vocational support received extensive training in areas like carpentry, sewing, beekeeping, poultry raising, and more. Small income-generating grants were provided to select survivors, which further improved their quality of life and provided them with more economic opportunities.
