FirstTree أول شجرة
FirstTree is a community center initiative aimed at creating a well-integrated, harmonious community in the small village of Deir Zanoun in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. The village is made up of Lebanese, Syrians, Palestinians, and a few international passers-through. Being less than 10km from the Syrian border, it also holds host to many refugee camps, in and around the village. Deir Zanoun is a small town that has seen dramatic change in recent years, especially with the refugee crisis in 2011.
Our dream is to create a space where all are welcome and feel included. A space of peace. A space for children to learn valuable social skills through play and education support. A space for learning, empowerment, counselling and education for women. A space of environmental education and change, building awareness and providing examples of sustainable alternatives. Where trees are planted in place of those that once grew tall around the village. A space where residents, refugees from the camps and travellers from around the world can meet. A space where our younger generations can plant the seedlings of their future.
The FirstTree Community Center will stand for integration, inclusion and equality of everyone regardless of background, gender, religion or nationality. We stand for Peace with the absolute knowledge that we are all born equal. We will be a safe space for all who need, and our land will be a space to learn about and respect the earth and all that lives upon it. We are environmentally aware and will always work to increase the opportunity to have a sustainable and clean community.
Wadi AlFikr وادي الفكر
Wadi AlFikr is our immersive Levantine Arabic education center. Wadi Alfikr, meaning the valley of thought, provides yet another path into creating a diverse community and the opportunity to share culture, language, food and the many religions of the Bekaa Valley. We aim to provide an intense Levantine learning experience with quality material and excellent local teachers.
During a four-week programme, we will host four activity days where students will learn to cook local cuisine, explore hidden local sites and discover the complexities of the political scene in Lebanon. On weekends, the students will be free to visit the world-famous ruins of Baalbek and Anjar (only 5km away)! Or spend the weekend on the beach or discovering the coastal cities.
Through the profit generated from the school fees, the school will provide economic funding to secure the longevity and sustainability of the FirstTree Community Center as well as supporting locals with jobs. Our students will also have the opportunity to volunteer with FirstTree and other local initiatives. We work in collaboration with a pre-existing school that also works funding an NGO education programme in Beirut. This means we can provide long-lasting education options and the ability to learn in different places throughout Lebanon. This is one of many collaborations we hope to make with organisations that run with our same values.
We provide our students with a beautiful large residence within the village, a peaceful space that will echo our morals and values of the FirstTree community center.
Our team is made up of both local residents of Bekaa and international people who have found a home in Bekaa. Inspired to create positive change in our small village and find innivotive, fair and sustainable systems for projects encorporating international volunteers to operate. We have a non-hierarchical team ethos and employ strength-based procedures which creates a generative and supportive environment. Our team will always consist of a diverse range of backgrounds. Within our employed body, 80% of roles will be held by residents of various nationalities and will be a representation of the diversity among the local population. Our volunteer team is made up of both locals and people from around the world. Our focus on diversity within the team will ensure representation and inclusion for all. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring women within positions of responsibility and be a prominent part of our team.