Meet the Founders
Founder, Executive Director
Vice President for Defence For Children International - MENA Region
Manal Eid has served in multiple international organizations helping to spread awareness on child rights and createa change within her community. Manal is currently the director of Connect Children Now/Defense for Children International an organization dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of children in 37 countries worldwide. Manal is also one of the main founders of War Child Holland in Lebanon and has served on the board of managers until year 2014. Before that Manal worked with Save the Children on both conflict and post conflict projects. She has been active in domestic and international child advocacy since 2007, primarily in the areas of child labor, violence and maltreatment and she serves on several national and local boards related to child rights. With her deep faith, positive spirit and contagious personality, Manal is dedicated to improving the lives of children promoting child rights on a local and state level while strengthening local communities and civic participation. Manal Eid is also Movement Facilitator, Wellness Instructor and Dancer since year 2000. Through her teaching and practice in classical Ballet, Pilates, and Yoga, she experienced profound transformations, which led her to initiate a mental health program that offers embodied practice for children and youth for self-empowerment and auto-protection.
In year 2015, she led the development of focused psychosocial support methodology, “Incredible Me” together with therapists and mental health experts, creating therapeutic change in the lives of women and children by addressing emotional, physical, mental, and social aspects of self through movement and fine arts.
Manal has spent the last 18 years working with women and children who have experienced trauma and adverse life events. Manal also teaches at USJ University where she is actively promoting wellness and self-care among students, supporting their wellbeing, and creating positive change among new generations. Manal has been trained in various approaches to body- centered modalities and psychotherapy. She holds a B.A. in Public Relations and is currently perusing her master’s in dance and Movement Therapy. In both her artistic and professional work Manal sends a powerful message about the importance of staying true to one body and oneself.
Manal Eid: First Intervention on Syria: https://youtu.be/jB3zl3g0e9c
C0-Founder
Haifa Hamdan is a tireless advocate for children’s rights and social development, whose remarkable journey spans six decades of unwavering dedication. Having a master’s degree in social development, she embarked on a mission to uplift children’s lives, starting with groundbreaking work alongside Lebanese government ministries and she is still working at age 90 continuously contributing to children’s rights and education.
Haifa’s impact transcends borders, with 26 years of service at Save the Children Organization and subsequent roles at War Child Holland and Defense for Children Lebanon. Her legacy is woven with achievements, from spearheading nationwide assessments to pioneering programs like book recycling and free education initiatives.
A trailblazer in integrating children with special needs into mainstream education and empowering girls in refugee camps, Haifa’s influence extends to policymaking and program establishment, enriching the lives of countless children across Lebanon.
Her strong spirit is reflected in her affiliations with esteemed organizations and her receipt of prestigious awards, including recognition from Royal Highness Princess Anne for her wartime efforts. Haifa’s publications serve as guiding lights for advocacy efforts, underlining her commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
In her 60 years of remarkable service, Haifa’s story inspires us to create a world where every child’s potential is nurtured and protected.
In her own words: “We don’t compete, we only complement and complete”.