Project Launch: March 2022
Project Status: Ongoing (2025)
Current Beneficiaries: 83 retirees
Core Services: Financial Support • Psychosocial & Psychospiritual Care • Individual Psychological Sessions • Medical Assistance • Community Integration
- Introduction
« Sandeh » project, is an initiative launched in March 2022 to tangibly help during the economic crisis all over Lebanon. The current context has exacerbated financial difficulties for citizens, especially for elderly people who do not receive any kind of monthly allowance, neither from the government nor from their relatives. « Sandeh » aims to preserve the dignity of people over the age of 64 years old, whether they were retired or unemployed. The project offers them financial autonomy as an acknowledgment of their contribution towards society. The initiative also aims to create a space of fulfillment, entertainment, and integration for USJ retirees.
The objectives of this project are the following:
• Preserve and respect the dignity of people over the age of 64 years old by providing them with financial autonomy so that they become independent from their children and any other form of financial support.
• Acknowledge and improve all years of work, constant effort, and local development that these people contributed to throughout their careers.
• Create a space of fulfillment, entertainment, and integration for retirees in order to improve their well-being.
« Sandeh » project started with a firm collaboration with USJ, which was the mother institution for this initiative. USJ retirees that used to receive wages fluctuating from the minimum wage to twice that wage are now confronted to tough financial challenges as a result of the economic crisis in Lebanon. Their deposits are stuck in the bank with a withdrawal limit, and the currency’s value has dramatically dropped which then resulted in an 80% loss of the value of their own money.
In order to implement this project, a multidisciplinary team was formed, which included a social worker, a psychologist, and a project coordinator. This group works in direct collaboration with the Human Resources director at USJ to get the complete retirees’ list in different campuses of the university in Lebanon, as well as additional information such as the year of retirement, past position, number of family members…
Furthermore, it is crucial to mention that the “Sandeh” project benefits from generous donations made possible through USJ’s extensive Jesuit network, particularly in Belgium, France, and Switzerland. This international support has played a pivotal role in successfully launching the initiative, enabling the recruitment of a dedicated team and providing substantial aid to 83 USJ retirees.
These funds were wisely allocated not only to launch the grocery card service, but also to finance a wide array of essential services. These include group talk sessions, social and recreational activities specifically designed for retirees, psychosocial support, psychospiritual sessions, one-on-one psychological counseling, and, in urgent cases, assistance with medical emergencies.
Thanks to this international generosity, the project has had a tangible impact on the retirees’ quality of life—fostering financial stability, emotional well-being, and meaningful social connections.
- The Crisis in Numbers
Lebanon’s financial collapse has devastated the elderly population:
- Pensions are stagnant, while the Lebanese pound has lost over 80% of its value.
- Traditional family safety nets are weakening as younger relatives also face financial strain.
- The banking sector collapse has eroded retirees’ savings, leaving them unable to afford healthcare, medication, or basic necessities.
- 80% of retirees now rely on family support or rapidly depleting savings, with minimal government aid.
Consequences:
- Rising poverty rates among retirees
- Increased social isolation
- Severe mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety
Sandeh emerged as a vital lifeline, providing financial, psychosocial, and medical support to restore dignity and improve the quality of life for Lebanon’s elderly.
- Project Growth & Donor Support (2021 → 2025)
| Year | Beneficiaries | Budget | Main Donor / Partner | Focus |
| 2021 | 60 retirees | $58,000 | Oeuvres sociales et éducatives des jésuites au Tiers-Monde | Launch of Sandeh with financial aid (vouchers) |
| 2022 | 78 retirees | – | Oeuvres sociales et éducatives des jésuites au Tiers-Monde | Expansion of Market Cards service |
| 2023 | 80 retirees | $80,000 | Jesuiten weltweit | Added psychosocial & psychospiritual sessions |
| 2024 | 83 retirees | $105,000 | Jesuiten weltweit | Introduced individual psychological support + medical care |
| 2025 | 83 retirees | – | Combination of donors & Al-Mazeed fundraisers | Consolidation of holistic care and integration services |
Since its inception, the project has raised a total of $243,000 to support retirees.
- Project Budget Overview
| Period | Estimated Budget (USD) |
| 2022 – 2023 | $58,000 |
| 2023 – 2024 | $80,000 |
| 2024 – 2025 | $105,000 |
- Core Services
5.1. Financial Support via Market Cards
- $50 supermarket vouchers per month through our partnership with Le Charcutier Aoun.
- Beneficiaries: 83 retirees in 2025 (up from 60 in 2021).
- Monthly follow-ups ensure responsible usage and financial autonomy.
5.2. Psychosocial & Psychospiritual Support (Since 2023)
- Group sessions focused on mental well-being and community healing.
- Psychospiritual retreats fostering inner peace and resilience.
- Activities aimed at rebuilding trust, hope, and social connectedness.
5.3. Individual Psychological Sessions (Since 2024)
- One-on-one sessions with professional psychologists.
- Designed to help retirees manage trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief.
- Beneficiaries show measurable emotional improvement and better life acceptance.
5.4. Medical Assistance (Since 2024)
- Referrals to partner doctors and clinics.
- Coverage for medications, lab tests, and consultations.
- Dedicated medical follow-ups for chronic illnesses.
5.5. Integration & Social Engagement
- A 7-member retirees’ committee organizes events and monthly gatherings.
- USJ collaborations connect retirees with students and wider community activities.
- Examples:
- April 2022 – Maamoul preparation workshop with students (15 retirees)
- June 2022 – Campus lunch and musical event (50 retirees)
- Key Achievements (2021 → 2025)
- 83 retirees supported monthly
- $243,000 raised since 2021
- 30+ social events organized
- Expanded into psychosocial, psychospiritual, psychological, and medical care
- Built partnerships with 25 NGOs and engaged 50 volunteers
- Strengthening the link between retirees and USJ students through intergenerational activities
- Our Vision
Sandeh aims to transform retirement into a stage of connection, dignity, and purpose.
We are committed to:
- Restoring financial security
- Strengthening mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being
- Creating inclusive spaces for retirees to stay active and valued
- Promoting healthy and engaged aging within a supportive community
Sandeh is more than aid.
It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and belonging.