Supporting the Livelihood and Local Resilience of the Rahbeh Community, Lebanon

Rahbeh is a predominantly Greek Orthodox village in the mountainous region of Akkar Governorate, northern Lebanon. In recent years, the area has been severely affected by economic hardship, social instability, and the migration of young people seeking better opportunities elsewhere. With the support of the Hungary Helps Program, the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD – Lebanese Baptist Organization) is implementing a development initiative aimed at strengthening local livelihoods, economic self-sufficiency, and community stability. The project was initiated by the Evangelical Baptist Church of Rahbeh, which adopted a new mission and vision statement in 2024, focusing on empowering local communities and supporting families to remain in their homeland. As part of this renewed vision, the church purchased cows and established a small dairy farm, providing seven families with a stable source of income and employment. Beyond offering direct livelihood opportunities, the initiative contributes to the village’s long-term economic resilience and social cohesion. With continued support from the Hungary Helps Program, the organization also plans to establish a small-scale dairy processing facility, creating additional jobs and promoting sustainable local development. The dairy will produce traditional Lebanese dairy products – such as cheese and yogurt – which hold deep cultural significance and are symbols of Rahbeh’s heritage and communal identity. Ultimately, the project seeks to ensure that families in Lebanon’s rural areas can build their future where they belong – rooted in faith, dignity, and shared work within their own communities.