As the sun sets over the Chabrouh centre during those lovely autumn days, the daunting dwelling and its lovely courtyard stand proud and warm whilst heartfelt emotions stroll through its walls. This year, the Chabrouh project celebrated two decades of uncompromising support and dedication from Lebanese and international volunteers to their guests; those much in need of sincere love as they suffer from disabilities, cerebral palsy, down-syndrome, autism or epilepsy are accordingly often marginalised and forgotten.
Chabrouh has been labelled “The house of Love” as one can only feel overwhelming emotions on its grounds. It truly teaches you to love and be loved. But it is also the house of celebrations as such sincere sentiments transpire through the cheers, laughter and dancing vibes moving an astonishingly vibrant crowd. As you look closely, you’ll witness cheerful young people caring gently for the center’s guests. And as you take a closer look, you’ll see incapacitated guest transported with joy as they walk around those sunny gardens without a care in the world. If this isn’t proof that the power of love transcends pain, suffering and loneliness, then what does?
Delving into the origins of the Chabrouh camps help understand the spirit of this project brought to life by a young German volunteer that visited Lebanon in 1997. Touched by the severity of mental and physical disability cases witnessed throughout his journey, he understood the relevance of love, care and chose to restore dignity to those set aside by society. A few years later, following in his footsteps, young Lebanese volunteers deeply moved by their German counterpart’s grand gesture, dove fully into this ambitious project setting in motion 26 one week camps yearly.
As the camps gain momentum and international recognition, the Chabrouh building transformed into a state-of-the art facility started enjoying the growing support and contribution of the international youth of the Order of Malta, gathering 8 nationalities and 14 leading delegations. Czech, Swiss, German, French, Italian, English, Dutch and Spanish camps alternate throughout the year as young volunteers eagerly await their journey to the land of Cedars.
The vision of the project relies on the foundation of a one-on-one relationship built between a volunteer and a guest, whereby a fundamentally unique bond carried through the warmth of the human touch, care and sincere love for the other materializes. Home for more than 900 volunteers from all over the world gathered to elevate the pain of over 600 Lebanese disabled guest yearly, the Chabrouh camps became to all an educational bridge for the strengthening of faith, self-confidence, tolerance and respect towards others. It is truly a spiritual and life-changing experience for volunteers returning back to their respective countries with poignant memories.
As time goes by, the center continues to grow both in size and in relevance. Initially led by the Youth of the Order of Malta Lebanon, the center became today a multigenerational and multinational beacon as it gathers in camps parents, children and friends from across the world. It also reunites Knights and Dames in the spirit of continuous service and action through the Order. An unprecedented spirit emanates from those camps as German, Dutch and English Knights, Dames and Caravan volunteers stroll along the facility holding the hands of our Lords the sick or pushing their wheelchairs across the ramps. Those travellers have chosen to dedicate through the camps a full week of their lives to come specifically to Lebanon to pamper our disabled guests much in need of love, attention and human touch. Even the “Mamas” – over 65 years old – travelling from their respective countries, join the camps to offer traditional cooking to our guests. The relationship established between those international travellers and the center’s guests proves to be of such emotional and spiritual weight to both. Camps are so lively, filled with fun activities, music and laughter. The veteran Dutch & British camp completes this year’s round of attending delegations at Chabrouh. What started with a couple of random volunteers back in 2011, grew to become today a full-fledged camp from both countries. Since 2012, they come back each year to infuse joy, show commitment and care to our Lords the sick, to expose them to new experiences and new outings.
Franz. 65 years old, is attending for the second consecutive year the Knights & Dames camp. “At 1st, I had heard about Chabrouh through my son and daughter as they both enrolled in the camps several times in the past. They came home transported with happiness and emotions. I thought to myself, this sounds absolutely fascinating, I have to get the same experience. I’ve been here for 5 days with my guest Charbel and I already know that I will be coming back again next year”.
Camilla, 59 years old, is a 1st timer at Chabrouh. “I’ve heard about the camps through friends who had been here a couple of years back. My son also came to Chabrouh and I can tell you that this experience really turned his life around. As both my son and husband suffer from disabilities, Chabrouh doesn’t strike me personally as a new experience. However, I wanted to be part of the Chabrouh community, pray and share the power of faith with others as well as communicate love and support to others in need. It is a great honour to be here”.
Johanna, 38 years old, has been coming to Chabrouh for the past 13 years. “I prefer spending my vacation here instead of travelling to other destinations. Both my daughters and husband have been accompanying me for the past years. It is such a rewarding experience for the entire family”.
Charbel, a 26 years old men suffering from physical and mental disabilities told me once “Chabrouh is my home; I feel loved and safe here”.
Those touching words carry the essence of this project and will empower its perpetuation in time.
