In a nondescript building in the quiet neighborhood of Ashrefieh in Beirut, Lebanon a great work is taking place. In 1868 the Blessed School was established as the first school in the Middle East devoted to the education of the blind and special needs. Today, children from around the region still come to receive an education and vocational training.

The younger, special needs children focus on reading and writing.

The blind students learn to work with wicker.
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while others learn to bake bread which is then sold to local schools and bakeries. An extension of this project is currently in development with collaboration with an area orphanage.