FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Lebanon
Address
Jesuit Garden, BeirutCountry
City
BeirutProvince
BeirutMobile Phone
+96176672600Telephone
+961 81 996 476E-Mail (2)
jgngathering@gmail.comWebsite
Click HereYear of Establishment
2022Contact Person1
Zeina AssafJob Title 1
Co-founder- board memberContact Person 2
David SaccaJob Title 2
Co-Founder- Board memberOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
Arts, Democracy and community development, Environment/Sustainable development, Heritage, Youth and educationGeneral Information
The Jesuit Garden Neighborhood Gathering (Liqaa), a grassroots initiative, was born from a protest movement in 2013. It was initiated by active citizens living in the Geitawi neighborhood (Beirut) to protect the Jesuit Public Garden from development projects which would have disfigured it. During the 2019 revolution, residents started to meet more regularly, and organized the first community meeting or Sobhyeh in the garden. After a slowdown of the community dynamic following the COVID pandemic and the very heavy impact of the Port Blast in 2020, residents created a petition in 2021 to prevent another development project in the garden designed without different community voices. The resurgence of community engagement led to the establishment of Liqaa in 2022 with the support of the SEE CHANGE fund, by COSV and OXFAM, in a partnership with Assabil Association, the public library located in the Jesuit Garden.
Mission and Objectives
The Jesuit Garden Neighborhood Gathering (Liqaa) is a group of community members around the Jesuit Garden, Beirut. It’s aim is to have people connect inside the garden, leading to a healthier and happier community, that takes ownership and care of the public spaces in the neighborhood. Through arts, culture, sports, wellness, and heritage activities, eco-sustainability initiatives, and supporting local small and home-based businesses, we wish to improve the lives of people and businesses in the neighborhood.
Improve quality of life (health, happiness, and well-being)
Foster eco-sustainabili
ty
Promote small local businesses
Preserve cultural heritage
Create a network of local initiatives
Re-own, protect, and preserve the different public spaces through advocacy.
Leave a legacy for future generations
VALUES: Community, participatory, inclusivity, transparency, preservation, innovation, education, environmentally conscious
Main Projects / Activities
The governance of LIQAA is collaborative and participatory and is
structured so community members can conceive and lead a variety of
activities. This grassroots local initiative is open to any community
member, regardless of gender, ethnicity, political affiliation or religion.
Most of our activities are free. A few like the Garden Market (handmade or second hand items) are income
generating to maintain the garden. Free activities include fete de la musique community music stage, chess club, backgammon, film screenings, craft workshops, eco workshops, composting community, Montessori sessions, Walking club and tai chi.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
By supporting individuals and other NGOs to do community-based projects with us.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
To benefit from potential collaborations and innovative new solutions and programming