Community Centers

Habibi International has established two community centers in Bersive and Chamishku. Together, they provide health, education, and community initiatives that restore hope and create belonging.

We are a vibrant, inclusive center where people of diverse cultures and faiths gather to share their gifts and collaborate. We create a safe space for authentic relationships and encourage one another toward our full potential. Together with our community, we rebuild and redeem what was lost, drawing on the strength and creativity of every generation.

  • Habibi International has established two community centers in Bersive and Chamishku, serving a combined population of about 25,000 internally displaced persons. Together, they provide health, education, and community initiatives that restore hope and create belonging.

  • A Place of Belonging and Growth

    We are a vibrant, inclusive center where people of diverse cultures and faiths gather to share their gifts and collaborate. Each space is designed to foster authentic relationships, encourage growth, and draw on the strength and creativity of every generation. Together with our community, we rebuild and redeem what was lost.

  • Across both centers, we provide:

    •⁠ ⁠A dental clinic delivering essential treatment for displaced families.

    •⁠ ⁠Dedicated trailers for education programs, mental health services, psychosocial support, and physical therapy/rehabilitation.

  • At our Bersive Community Center, we also host:

    •⁠ ⁠A multi-purpose community hall that accommodates festive celebrations, awareness sessions, and medical screenings. It also functions as a safe drop-in space for children before and after school.

    •⁠ ⁠An inclusive play space, co-designed by children from the camp in partnership with Catalytic Action.

  • Innovation and Inclusion

    •⁠ ⁠The Bersive community hall was constructed using the SuperAdobe method—an earth-and-sandbag design that is sustainable, affordable, and naturally regulates temperature for comfort and long-term use.

  • Shared Impact

    Together, our two centers serve 4,786 families and 22,583 individuals, supported by a dedicated team of 20 local staff and 8 international staff.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

  • Dental Care

    We operate two dental clinics, providing treatments like scaling and polishing, extractions, fillings, and root canal therapy. We also run oral hygiene programs for parents and children.

    Medical Projects

    We run weekly clinics targeting a range of common issues, such as clinical consultations, pain clinic, eye clinic, and PTNS clinic.

    Community Health

    We tackle problems upstream through community health programs, such as regular women’s wellness and fitness classes, and engaging health education sessions.

    Surgical Projects

    We partner with local hospitals and international medical teams to provide a range of surgeries and rehabilitation to those who are otherwise unable to access such services. Past projects include orthopedic, cataract, urogynecology, and cleft lip surgeries.

MENTAL HEALTH

  • Individual Counseling

    We provide counseling for those facing trauma, grief, and suicide risk, and employ play therapy in our work with children.

    Group Work

    We run therapeutic group sessions and activities with women, teen boys and teen girls, to build their sense of worth, identity and purpose.

    Training and Awareness

    We equip local leaders and NGOs with training on specialized topics such as child protection, suicide awareness, listening skills, and trauma-informed care.

SOCIAL HEALTH

  • English Classes

    We conduct Sing Your English for children - teaching English through music, song and dance. We also run English classes for young adults.

    Higher Education Scholarships

    We invest in promising young adults by supporting them for the duration of their higher education, through regular allowances for living expenses and school materials.

    Skills Development

    We offer computer classes and business basics training for youth and adults.

    Community Building Activities

    We host community events in our multi-purpose hall, from festive celebrations and large-group awareness sessions, to volunteer-led activities and pickleball matches. The hall also functions as a drop-in space for children before and after school, with daily structured activities, homework club, a library corner, and a games corner.

WHAT IT TAKES

Each year, it takes real resources to provide surgeries, counseling, education, and community support across both of our community centers. Below is a summary of the annual investment needed to keep these programs running—an investment that turns into restored health, renewed hope, and stronger communities.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Covers local staff salaries, medical supplies, equipment and maintenance, and daily operations.

$155,200

MENTAL HEALTH

Supports local staff salaries, training and development, essential equipment and supplies, and daily operations.

$28,000

SOCIAL HEALTH

Includes local staff salaries, the Higher Education Scholarship Program (HESP), class materials and supplies, and daily operations.

$47,000

 

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