Help Lebanon's Future Architects
Donation protected
AIAS Lebanon needs your help. AIAS Portland State University has organized this fundraiser to keep our international friends going.
AIAS, the American Institute of Architecture Students, is a nonprofit, student led organization on a mission to PROMOTE excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; FOSTER an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; ENRICH communities in a spirit of collaboration; ORGANIZE students and combine our efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.
According to their chapter presidents, due to the following circumstances, both Lebanese chapters are facing significant financial challenges, and are at risk of losing membership.
"There is instability due to continuous and sudden uprisings, protests and revolution due to our corrupt government."
"Due to the government's failed policies, Lebanon has witnessed the most severe economic decline in its history. The Lebanese Pound lost around 80% of its value in less than a year (previously 1$=15000LBPs , Now 1$= 9000LBPs). In addition, and following the international political sanctions, Lebanon lost most of its dollars bills. If anyone has dollars in the bank, they can only extract them... on a much lower rate (1$=3900LBPs), losing half of the value of their money."
"The COVID-19 virus had negative economic repercussion on the economic situation, leaving millions of Lebanese with no job, or half-payed jobs."
"The Beirut atrocity destroyed what's left of resources, transforming the last shelters of the Lebanese into rubbles"
"As such, most of the members are living an economic breakdown. Their parents can't provide them with money anymore. Some lost their houses, others all of their savings in the banks. On top of that, all of the members are traumatized by the Beirut Explosion, and some stressed because of COVID.
With the lack of activities provided by the government, AIAS forms a beacon of hope to most Architecture students. It provides them with lectures, workshops, seminars, competitions... that are otherwise absent. In addition, and with the absence of governmental support, AIAS LAU [Lebanese American University] formed a strong pillar that a considerate number of volunteering NGO's in Beirut relied on, in the relief work done in the last weeks."
With our goal of $5,000 USD, we will be able to cover the cost of membership for every single member of both of Lebanon's chapters. Additional funds will be split evenly between the two chapters, to fund their work with local NGO's and support the work each chapter does with municipalities to respond to Lebanese architectural and urban problems. Most importantly, your funds will keep us connected across nations, and give these chapters and their members the recognition and support they deserve.
Pictured: AIAS LAU
"Your initiative means a lot to us through these tough times, and in the name of all AIAS LAU members we would like to thank you."
Vanessa Abou Harb, Lebanese American University Chapter President
"It really warms my heart to read such a compassionate message. Thank you again so much, looking forward to this wonderful collaboration."
Gaelle Bazergi, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik Chapter President
Thank you, warmly, from Chloe Hanf and our AIAS team at Portland State University.
AIAS, the American Institute of Architecture Students, is a nonprofit, student led organization on a mission to PROMOTE excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; FOSTER an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; ENRICH communities in a spirit of collaboration; ORGANIZE students and combine our efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.
According to their chapter presidents, due to the following circumstances, both Lebanese chapters are facing significant financial challenges, and are at risk of losing membership.
"There is instability due to continuous and sudden uprisings, protests and revolution due to our corrupt government."
"Due to the government's failed policies, Lebanon has witnessed the most severe economic decline in its history. The Lebanese Pound lost around 80% of its value in less than a year (previously 1$=15000LBPs , Now 1$= 9000LBPs). In addition, and following the international political sanctions, Lebanon lost most of its dollars bills. If anyone has dollars in the bank, they can only extract them... on a much lower rate (1$=3900LBPs), losing half of the value of their money."
"The COVID-19 virus had negative economic repercussion on the economic situation, leaving millions of Lebanese with no job, or half-payed jobs."
"The Beirut atrocity destroyed what's left of resources, transforming the last shelters of the Lebanese into rubbles"
"As such, most of the members are living an economic breakdown. Their parents can't provide them with money anymore. Some lost their houses, others all of their savings in the banks. On top of that, all of the members are traumatized by the Beirut Explosion, and some stressed because of COVID.
With the lack of activities provided by the government, AIAS forms a beacon of hope to most Architecture students. It provides them with lectures, workshops, seminars, competitions... that are otherwise absent. In addition, and with the absence of governmental support, AIAS LAU [Lebanese American University] formed a strong pillar that a considerate number of volunteering NGO's in Beirut relied on, in the relief work done in the last weeks."
With our goal of $5,000 USD, we will be able to cover the cost of membership for every single member of both of Lebanon's chapters. Additional funds will be split evenly between the two chapters, to fund their work with local NGO's and support the work each chapter does with municipalities to respond to Lebanese architectural and urban problems. Most importantly, your funds will keep us connected across nations, and give these chapters and their members the recognition and support they deserve.
Pictured: AIAS LAU
"Your initiative means a lot to us through these tough times, and in the name of all AIAS LAU members we would like to thank you."
Vanessa Abou Harb, Lebanese American University Chapter President
"It really warms my heart to read such a compassionate message. Thank you again so much, looking forward to this wonderful collaboration."
Gaelle Bazergi, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik Chapter President
Thank you, warmly, from Chloe Hanf and our AIAS team at Portland State University.
Organizer
Chloe Hanf
Organizer
Manzanita, OR