Since the outbreak of the civil war, the situation in Libya is increasingly unstable. The protracted political crisis and past conflict in Libya have had a significant impact on public services, especially health, social protection, and education services. CESVI has been present in the country since 2011, as the first Italian NGO to intervene in support of the population after the outbreak of the civil war.
In Libya, CESVI works with the most vulnerable people, both Libyans, and migrants, providing assistance in matters of protection and non-formal education in community centers and urban areas of the country. During 2022, we reached over 11,000 people, offering services of:
- Social assistance for victims of gender-based violence and for vulnerable minors;
- Community reception for migrants and refugees;
- Non-formal education cycles for children outside the school system and remedial courses for children both in our day centers and in schools across the country;
- Psychosocial support for children and adults;
- Distribution of basic necessities;
- Economic assistance.
Currently, we are present with 7 projects in Tripoli and Misrata, and this year we will extend our services nationwide, with interventions also in Benghazi, Kufra, and Sebha.
Current projects
Promotion of social inclusion
With this project CESVI contributes to supporting Libyan civil society in the active promotion of community development and social inclusion at the local level, highlighting the complex challenges that arise at the local level and incorporating the perspectives, experiences, and opportunities of the actors of the local civil society to promote positive change. To date, 13 local organizations have been involved, of which 10 reached with training to strengthen organizational and management skills and 3 organizations have been financially supported.
Quality education and child protective services
The project aims to support the resilience process of vulnerable girls and boys in western Libya through access to quality education and child protection services. Within the Baity centers for children in Tripoli, Misurata, and Zuara, CESVI intervenes:
- offering children a safe space to recover from traumatic events, interact with each other, and experience positive interactions with peers and adults;
- working with parents and carers to strengthen parenting skills
- encouraging participation in the centers also for community members and local organizations.
To date, 3,071 children have received psychosocial support services and 3,571 children have participated in non-formal education cycles.
Protection services, environmental enablement, and resilience
Thanks to the project, people in need benefit from the quality and life-saving services and information. In 2022, 128 people received social assistance, 84 migrants were welcomed into the CESVI community reception system, 24 young refugees received training courses and basic necessities were distributed to 819 families.
Protection and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers
The community day center is a multi-service hub where refugees can arrange interviews for the assessment of protection needs and receive social assistance for the protection of minors, cases of gender-based violence, psychosocial support, reception in host families, economic assistance, health, legal, and availability. Basic necessities are also distributed. In 2022, 348 women were supported with assistance for domestic violence cases; 927 minors received protection; 956 disabled people were assisted; 3,498 people received financial assistance; 5,240 people were interviewed about their protection needs; and 67 refugees were welcomed into the CESVI community reception system.
Resilience program
Girls and boys living in Libya face a wide range of vulnerabilities and barriers to education. These include those who have experienced conflict and displacement within Libya, as well as migrants and refugees facing the hardships of being forced to leave their countries. The project plans to reach over 11,000 people with a holistic and multi-sectoral approach that supports the education and well-being of all girls and boys. The intervention is community-based, focusing on Baity Community Centers and Schools and Community Centers to provide non-formal education, child protection activities, and psychosocial support to students without access to the formal education system. Broader communities, including educators and parents, will also receive tailored support, development, and advice to holistically improve learning environments.
Health services and psychosocial support for children
The objective of this intervention is to increase access to quality health, protection, and psychosocial care services for girls and boys in Libya, including children with disabilities, working in the pediatric wards of two hospitals in Sebha and Al Kufra. The project will directly reach over 8,000 people.
Promotion of peace and justice among young people
The project intends to contribute to peace and stabilization in Libya by informing the political dialogue on gender justice, and strengthening the role of youth and CSOs in changing attitudes and behaviors toward gender norms in the target communities.