Arcenciel

Created in response to the Lebanese civil war in 1985, arcenciel is non-profit, apolitical and non-confessional NGO that “participates in sustainable development” and is recognized as a public utility in 1995 by the Lebanese Presdiental Decree N⁰7541. arcenciel’s work and impact span a wide range: they support vulnerable communities, integrate marginalized individuals back into society, and conserves natural resources. They have centers and locations spread throughout the entirety of Lebanon. arcenciel conducts a wide range of services through its 5 programs and holds a belief that people’s differences, regardless of physical or mental constraints, add value and richness to society at large. Although non-confessional and apolitical, arcenciel has and continues to develop national policies in all the sectors in which it is active. In 2014, arcenciel provided services to 80,000 people in Lebanon.LINK Today arcenciel has branches in France and USA REFERENCE

HISTORY

arcenciel was created in 1984-1985 during the Civil War due to the increase in numbers of Lebanese people living with disabilities. With no social or governmental services available in the country at the time, large numbers of disabled people suddenly became confined to their homes. Within this context, arcenciel was founded to help integrate disabled people and teach them skills to re-build their lives. arcenciel was formed at a time when Lebanon was deeply segregated. Going against the grain and norms, arcenciel opened up a small factory that served all people equally, regardless of background or religious and political affiliation. The name arcenciel was chosen in reference to a section in the Bible that highlights the unity of all people equally: "When the rainbow is in the clouds, I see him and I will remember the everlasting covenant that exists between God and all living beings. " Genesis. Brief Timeline: In 1985, arcenciel was founded for people’s with disabilities. Due to the civil war, there was a sharp increase in the number of people living with disabilities in Lebanon. In response, arcenciel began teaching newly disabled people how to re-live and grasp hold of their lives. In 1995 arcecnciel began helping with living in difficulty. As the organization grew, arcenciel began offering services to people coming from low socio-economic backgrounds. In 2005, the mission changed once more to include participate in sustainable development. Today arcenciel makes decisions based on economic, social and environmental constraints. arcneicel has joined both Lebanon and the globe in developing and fostering community growth.

arcenciel Today: Programs

1) ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Sustainable Agriculture and Environment uses technological innovation to responsibility draw upon natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The program manages the Domaine de Taanayel a plot of land (50 acre) that pioneers sustainable agriculture in the region. It run nearly exclusively on solar energy, streamlines fertigation and is the only producer of natural biopesticides in the region. The program addresses environmental concerns through a wide range of activities and institutions. We conduct awareness and training sessions on environmental responsibility, recover waste, run secondary waste sorting centers and treat hazardous hospital waste. In 2003, the program set up a network that now treats over 80% of Lebanon’s hospital waste. The program has since become a key player in determining Lebanon’s Waste Management Strategy.

2) HEALTH MOBILITY Mobility and Health participates in the social reintegration of people in need, focusing on people living with disabilities. It supports people through their entire recovery process by providing diverse health consultations, distributing mobility equipment and adapting living spaces. In 1994, Mobility and Health created the division “Accès et Droit” through the Ministry of Social Affairs. The division single-handedly passed governmental policy, Law 220, that financially and socially protects all disabled peoples in Lebanon.

3) SOCIAL ACTION: Social Action helps vulnerable populations in their struggle to integrate into society and personally develop within it. The program has an employment office, social support system and network of boutiques focused on integrating people back into society. Since its creation in 1985, Social Action has engaged in field work that identifies community difficulties and provides customs solutions to targeted issues. It plans systematic emergency responses in communities to potential National instabilities.

4) YOUTH SUPPORT Youth Support helps at risk youth develop their emotional, social and psychological capacities. Through the Rainbow Club network that spreads throughout arcenciel centers, the program offers a wide range of activities, essential to youth empowerment: sports and recreation, arts and culture, education. Established in 2001, Cirquenciel became the first circus school in Lebanon and the Middle East. It promotes intercultural dialogue and helps at risk youths reintegrate get back on educational and professional paths.

5) RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Responsible Tourism promotes a culture of peace while protecting Lebanese heritage and the country's natural resources. The program offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and adventure activities. In 2005, Responsible Tourism identically reproduced a traditional Bekaa village, earth houses respective to region’s ancestral traditions. The ecolodge, Khan el Maksoud and Domaine de Taanayel have since integrated into the Lebanese tourism landscape.

Awards

-Best Idealistic NGOs (BINGO) », for the environment category -"Wahdatouna khalasouna" (Our unity is our salvation). arcenciel was rewarded for its contribution to civil peace in Lebanon. -National Energy Globe Award Lebanon for the project solidarity-based network for recyclable waste management, in partnership with Advantage Austria - Official Trade Promotion Organisation of the Republic of Austria. -The Waterfront City Cares trophy for the "Recycling for Solidarity" initiative for the Bouchons roulants project. -The Intercultural Innovation Award / 5th prize for cirquenciel, "a circus school in the service of intercultural dialogue" in Bali – Indonesia -Chevalier dans l’Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur by the French Government, for arcenciel's general action -Earth Card by the Banque Libano-Francaise and the UNDP, for the conservation of water in Lebanon -International price for the best professional MBA project by MBA IP Lebanon, for the study of launching "biopesticide" production in Lebanon -Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants by Ford, for the bouchons roulants project on recyclable waste -Prize for Nestlé's " Creating Shared Value " program by Nestlé, for the Wataneh fair trade program, in New Delhi - India

References

Impact Report. 2014 http://www.arcenciel-en.org/2015/02/hello-arcenciel-friend-2014-has-been.html Exective managize “Waste Mangement: A collective Duty” http://www.executive-magazine.com/opinion/waste-management-a-collective-duty

External links

• Official website