Reviving a Heritage Site into Hope: Beirut Governorate and UNICEF Inaugurate the Hay El Leja Centre for Children and Families

Beirut, 9 October 2025 – The Governor of Beirut, Mr. Marwan Abboud, together with UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, inaugurated today the newly rehabilitated Hay el Leja Centre, a historic municipal building restored to serve as a safe and inclusive community space for children and families in one of Beirut’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

The rehabilitation of this heritage site marks a milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and invest in its social fabric. Once neglected municipal building, the Hay el Leja Centre now stands as a vibrant hub for protection, learning, and support, offering a range of integrated services for children and caregivers through UNICEF’s Makani programme.

“This center reflects our belief that Beirut’s revival begins with its people, especially its children,” said Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud. “By restoring this historic space, we are giving back to the community a place where families can find safety, learning, and hope. I thank UNICEF and all partners for their steadfast collaboration in making this vision a reality.”

The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021 between UNICEF and the Municipality of Beirut, aimed at strengthening local systems and creating child-friendly spaces that uphold every child’s right to safety, education, and protection.

 “When municipalities, communities, and partners come together, we can create sustainable and locally owned solutions that protect every child and restore hope to families.”

Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon

Through the support of international donors, the Centre will deliver multi-sectoral services addressing the needs of vulnerable children, particularly those at risk or engaged in street work.

“Hay el Leja Centre is more than a building, it is a symbol of partnership and resilience,” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “When municipalities, communities, and partners come together, we can create sustainable and locally owned solutions that protect every child and restore hope to families, particularly the most marginalized girls and boys across Lebanon.”

The Hay el Leja Centre stands today as a testament to the power of collaboration between local leadership, international partners, and the people of Beirut to build a city where every child can thrive.