Inside Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp: Assalam School

Palestinian vocation school [2003]
The Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Saida, southern Lebanon is infamous for its many relenting problems with its economy, politics and violence. However, the Assalam School for languages and vocations, a non-profit organization it is an example of the positive work that goes on within Ein El-Helweh and for the Palestinians. Started and largely funded by the Canadian Mennonite Central Committee [M.C.C] in 1983 after the Israeli invasion into Lebanon; the school offers several courses from four months to one year, in Arabic literacy, English, barbering, hairdressing, computers and typing.
With approximately 255 students each year [over 5500 in total have attended], comprised of many of the most underprivileged Palestinian refugees and with ever decreasing international funding; the director Mr. Khalid Miaari along with his loyal and dedicated staff struggle day after day to provide the Palestinian community with an essential service. Without the Assalam School many of the current students and those past, would have had no other choice but to join with one of the militia groups or have become involved in an illegal profession.
There have been many success stories to come out of the Assalam School and three such cases are highlighted at the end of the photo story.

Photos are part of the celebrated photojournalist website foto8 [link below]
http://www.foto8.com/ei8ht/v1n3special/index.html