Unemployment in the area, too, is rampant. While the rate of people out of work stands at 11.5 percent countrywide, according to UNDP/government figures, this rate is thought to be much higher in the country’s south.
Historically, residents of the area have been farmers, with traditional crops consisting of olives, grapes, figs, pomegranates, oranges, wheat and tobacco. With the coming of the Israeli occupation, however, much of the area’s arable land was planted with mines, curtailing the viability of the industry.
This, in turn, has led to a considerable outflow of the local work force.
More than half of the young population have left to seek jobs in Beirut or abroad, For those who are in the villages, there are few opportunities.
No recent census has been conducted, largely for political reasons, and accurate statistics are hard to come by. But according to local aid workers, some 44,000 people from the village of Bint Jbeil, a few kilometres from the current Israeli border, left the area over the course of the occupation. A population of a mere 7,000 was left behind.
And, given the feeble local job market, the trend seems set to continue. “I will have to look for work in Beirut, too, due to a lack of opportunities in the area,” said teenager Sharbil Louka, echoing the concerns of his friends.
The Israeli destruction of the Villages of South Lebanon in July 2006 has changed the situation in the Village Life today. It is for this reason that "The Irish Lebanon Project" is now needed more than ever.
PLEASE GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO VOLUNTEERING YOUR SERVICES AND TRADE TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH LEBANON. LET US SHOW THEM THAT THE IRISH REALLY DO CARE. VOLUNTEER
PLEASE GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO VOLUNTEERING YOUR SERVICES AND TRADE TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH LEBANON. LET US SHOW THEM THAT THE IRISH REALLY DO CARE. VOLUNTEER
INVESTMENT BADLY NEEDED
Ever since the Israeli withdrawal in 2000, there has been little investment in southern Lebanon.
We attributed this to a number of reasons, including the lack of government planning and political conditions often imposed by would-be donors.
As a result of this shortfall, 37 percent of households in the south live without basic needs, including viable sanitation systems and access to potable water. The area also suffers from low levels of education. While there are several schools in all villages, many lack even the most basic equipment, such as desks.
Ever since the Israeli withdrawal in 2000, there has been little investment in southern Lebanon.
We attributed this to a number of reasons, including the lack of government planning and political conditions often imposed by would-be donors.
As a result of this shortfall, 37 percent of households in the south live without basic needs, including viable sanitation systems and access to potable water. The area also suffers from low levels of education. While there are several schools in all villages, many lack even the most basic equipment, such as desks.
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Copyright (c) 2006-2008 The Irish Lebanon Project. All rights reserved.
This Charity is Registered in Lebanon. Charity Registered Number 1650 LD
This Charity is Registered in Lebanon. Charity Registered Number 1650 LD
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