Elina runs for Refugees in Lebanon

'I run for life... I am a Peace Runner'

This time in Lebanon, I will be running a 10k run on the 8th November to raise funds for refugees living in Shatila refugee camp.

The idea for this project started after visiting Lebanon where I witnessed an insight on people's lives and living conditions. The hostel I was staying at, Hostel Beirut, is an NGO working closely with refugees so I became interested to find out more. Following a chat regarding my interest in volunteering I was offered a sponshorship by Hostel Beirut covering accommodation and material for English workshops at the Palestinian refugee camp in Shatila.

This is my third week in Lebanon where my volunteering journey has set off with teaching English to children living in Shatila. I have decided to run 10k in order to raise funds for a group of people whose living conditions cover the bare minimum.

Shatila was initially a Palestinian refugee camp set up in 1949 and has since acommodated many Palestinian and Syrian refugees. The area itself is overcrowded and since it was only created as a temporary home, it is becoming harder to sustain its large population of people.

The aim of this fundraiser is to collect funds for organisations in Shatila as well as use funds to buy educational material for primary school students.

We believe that education is an essential skill which will help maintain the area itself and benefit its young inhabitants to reach out for further education or development in their chosen areas.

Please support our attempt to raise money in such a short period of time.

Running for life on the 8th November 2015.

Thank you for any donations or support you can offer.

Elina Smyrniou -