Duroob Community Center (DCC)

History

Launched in April 2022, Duroob is Nawraj
social and cultural pilot program. It acts as a recreational, but mainly as an educational and a training hub for the Medawar-Karantina region.

DCC enjoys a privileged position. It is situated at the heart of a marginalized area, a long-deprived and vulnerable neighborhood, that was severely impacted by the blast of the port of Beirut (2020).

Important reconstruction works were engaged over 4 months to rehabilitate and refurbish the center and relaunch its activities. Nawraj also mobilized its team of volunteers and engineers, rebuilding and restoring the entire building and 60 other houses in the neighborhood.

Mission

The Center aims at:

• Preserving the social fabric and cohesion of the Medawar-Karantina districts and surroundings.
• Alleviating the distress of a population neglected by the State.
• Building capacities for employment.
• Advocating equal development opportunities for disadvantaged areas.

Approach

In order to meet adequately the needs of the community, DCC initiated a survey, conducted by a professional social worker.
A questionnaire was developed specifically for this study, considering the necessities of the target population and the services provided by the center.
The survey findings revealed that interests range from self-development activities, such as music, drawing and painting, fitness or stress management, to professional training, capacity-building programs leading to employability, such as computer and coding, as well as Foreign Language courses (English & French).

Target Population

The present graph illustrates the basic needs that are no longer affordable for the families interviewed.
The figures show that 50% of the families interviewed can no longer afford a daily balanced meal.

Activities

• Computer Training
• English Lessons
• Entrepreneurship Coaching
• Music Courses
• Free Medical & Eye Consultations
• Well-being & Self-development Coaching
• Recreational Activities

Why Duroob

The Duroob Community Center (DCC) serves as a central gathering point for members of the local community. The center places a strong emphasis on fostering community ties and interests, as well as encouraging civic participation. Additionally, the center provides residents with opportunities to develop valuable skills and build capacity within the community. It also serves as a friendly and welcoming space where individuals can expand their social networks and participate in local events, further enhancing their sense of pride and belonging.

Impact

Social
Our social activities have helped the Medawar-Karantina residents reconnect after the trauma of the port explosion and restored their sense of belonging. More than 250 persons took part in our activities.

Mediation Sessions
A series of mediation sessions are held at Duroob Community Center provided by two professional mediators addressed to the Medawar-Karantina community members. A joint awareness effort by the Centre Professionnel de Médiation (CPM–USJ) and Duroob to inform local residents on the benefits of mediation that offers solutions for the amicable resolution of conflicts. This mediation unit was set up at Duroob premises as part of an agreement signed in March 2024 between the Centre Professionnel de Médiation (CPM-USJ) and Duroob by Nawraj.

Healthcare
We cannot sustain our life without appropriate healthcare. Today, more than 400 persons benefit from Duroob Health program, medicines, medical examination and eye consultation, reaching 202 people, 162 pairs of glasses.

Pediatric Day
June 8 event in memory of Dr. Robert Sacy - Gift for Life - Karantina Hospital An important milestone today at Karantina governmental hospital, in memory of Dr. Robert Sacy.
Organized by Gift for Life in partnership with several NGOs, Duroob mobilized its beneficiaries to participate in this event focusing on mothers' health awareness and child free medical check-up day.

Wellbeing
Empowerment and self-development coaching sessions involved 40 mothers, with the objective to improve dialogue and communication skills, better behavior. DCC represented a place where women were able to consult experts on family awareness, community, and personal relief, feel comfortable; recognized and strengthened, considering that they live in environments weakened by precarious living conditions.