• To assist the children suffering from disabilities by fostering independence, self-esteem, and enabling them to fully participate in family and community life.
• To help support the family in planning their child's future.
• To foster societal attitudes of understanding, warmth, dignity, and compassion for the disabled.
• To help prevent disabilities by encouraging early detection and intervention.

We believe that:

• People are much more than they appear to be - each possessing a mystery that shall only be revealed by acts of faith and trust.
• Each disabled person is a human being, a child of God.
• Everyone is entitled to live in dignity and love.
• All that we have received as Gifts are meant to be used for the support of one another.
• Obstacles are part of life. It is up to us to overcome them.
• Life is everlasting. Everyone is called to grow and reach their potential.
• We are called to live as one large family, at the heart of which the weakest have their place.
• Each of us is dear to God’s heart, and we are all part of His family.
• God looks at us and says: “You are my beloved children, you are all my joy.”
• Love’s strength triumphs over death and all its aspects.

This is why we believe that everyone’s life, even when heavily disabled, is worth being lived as a celebration, because Love is enduring and because you are my brother.

SESOBEL was founded in 1976 by Yvonne Chami, social worker, nurse and midwife. In 1993 she started “Anta Akhi” (You Are My Brother), an association that strives to ensure a life of dignity for disabled adults. The same year Yvonne Chami was awarded the “Madame Figaro” prize.

• Registered at the Ministry of Interior under No. 42 SI and recognized for public service by decree No. 371/89.
• Managed by a Board of Direction - twelve members are elected from the 33 members of the General Assembly.
• Accredited by UNICEF, and member of the UNICEF NGO Committee.
• Prize winner of “Médecine Entraide” in 1988, an award of “le Gala de la Médecine” and the French association “Droits de l’homme et solidarité”.
• Member of Rehabilitation International and Inclusion International.
• Member of the Federation of Mental Disabilities Association in Lebanon.
• Member of the Mediterranean Network of Autism Associations (AMIR).
• Member of the International Association for Research on Mental Disability (AIRHM).
• Member of the Arab Network for NGOs.
• Member the International Cerebral Palsy Society (ICPS) - England.

Research and Training Partners:

• French Myopathy Association (AFM)
• University Hospital of Tours (CHU) and ARAPI
• Handicap International
• Autism Europe
• Speech Therapists of the World (Orthophonistes du Monde)

SESOBEL has contacts and shares information with Associations and professionals working on:

• Cerebral Palsy (in USA, Britain, and Ireland)
• Communication Disorders
• Management of Special Care Centers

• Provides exceptional medical care, rehabilitation, social developent, academic learning, and spiritual activities to allow the child suffering from disabilities to develop to their utmost capability in dignity and joy.
  
  
• Supports families with:
  • Information and guidance
  • The detection of disabilities
  • Social involvement
  
  
• Raises public awareness through multiple approaches to educate the public about disabilities and help create understanding attitudes toward disabled children.

In 2002, SESOBEL facilities had 840 visitors, including 617 from several Lebanese schools.

1979 admitted number of children: 38
2002 admitted number of children: 368

1979 number of employees: 8
2002 number of employees: 150

A permanent center for SESOBEL was acquired in 1986 after 11 relocations.

To provide children suffering from disabilities with a more secure and serene future.

Our Staff consists of 150 dedicated professionals who work in our educational, medical, administrative, and marketing departments.
Over 200 volunteers serve on various committees; such as, the Ladies Committee, the Youngsters Committee, and the Volunteers Committee, to name a few.