Some 200 children and adolescents living in an orphanage in the southern village of Maaroub had a joyful start to the year 2025, having received packages of sweets, toys, clothes and school supplies from UNIFIL’s Italian and Malaysian peacekeepers last week.

Following request from the director of the orphanage, Ali Ahmad Hussein, UNIFIL peacekeepers drew up an assistance plan and headed to the orphanage on 29 December with boxes of supplies that would support psycho-social growth and educational needs of the children and adolescents aged between 4 and 17. The supplies also included warm clothes for the harsh winter.

The delivery took place during a brief ceremony attended by  the commander of UNIFIL’s Sector West, Brig. Gen. Stefano Messina; the commander of the Malaysian contingent, Colonel Johan Effendi Haji Mohd Shalleh; Mr. Hussein; and a large group of children from the orphanage.

Brig. Gen. Messina said, “This donation is a gesture of great value that demonstrates the strength of Italian and Malaysian solidarity in alleviating the suffering of the young residents of the orphanage and offering them moments of joy during a certainly difficult time for Lebanon.”

“It is not only a small gesture for the Lebanese orphans, which made us feel close to our own children, knowing we couldn’t embrace them during this holiday season, but above all, it is an action that highlights the playful aspect, an essential right tied to the growth and development needs of a child,” he added.

Following the cessation of hostilities understanding of 27 November, UNIFIL peacekeepers have ramped up support initiatives benefiting tens of thousands of residents and returnees across south Lebanon.