In Lebanon, families who have been displaced by the ongoing economic crisis and devastating explosion in Beirut are struggling to reassure their children as they try to make a new home on patches of grass.
For many families in Lebanon, their lives have been uprooted by the economic crisis and explosion that rocked Beirut in August 2020. With jobs lost, homes destroyed, and a lack of basic necessities, many families have been forced to seek refuge in makeshift camps on patches of grass, where they try to rebuild their lives.
In these makeshift camps, families live in tents made of tarpaulin and sheets, with little to no access to running water or electricity. Children play in the dirt, their laughter echoing through the camp as they try to find joy in their new surroundings.
But for parents, the reality of their situation weighs heavily on their minds. With no permanent shelter, limited resources, and uncertain futures, parents are struggling to reassure their children and shield them from the harsh realities of their new reality.
One mother, who asked to remain anonymous, shared how she tries to comfort her children when they hear the sound of explosions or gunfire in the distance. “I tell them it’s fireworks,” she said. “I don’t want them to be scared. I want them to feel safe and happy, even if we are living in these conditions.”
Another father, who lost his job in the explosion and now lives in a tent with his wife and two children, shared how he tries to keep his children’s spirits up. “I tell them that we are on an adventure, like camping in the mountains,” he said. “I try to make it fun for them, even though I know deep down that this is not how we should be living.”
Despite their efforts to reassure their children, parents in these makeshift camps are acutely aware of the challenges they face. With no access to proper sanitation, healthcare, or education, families are struggling to provide for their children and give them a sense of normalcy in their new surroundings.
As Lebanon continues to grapple with the aftermath of the explosion and economic crisis, families in makeshift camps are left with little choice but to make the best of their situation. While parents try to shield their children from the harsh realities of their new reality, the challenges they face are immense and the road ahead is uncertain.
But amidst the uncertainty and hardship, families in Lebanon are finding strength in their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives. And as parents continue to reassure their children and make the best of their circumstances, hope remains that brighter days lie ahead for the families in these makeshift camps on patches of grass.