In brief
As Lebanon faces ongoing turmoil, a mechanical engineer's creative solution aids thousands fleeing war-torn areas, showcasing the potential of technology in humanitarian efforts.
In the midst of war and displacement, a beacon of hope has emerged in Lebanon through the ingenuity of Hania Zataari, a mechanical engineer working for the Ministry of Industry in Lebanon. Last autumn, as the conflict escalated, particularly following Israel's intensified military actions against Hezbollah, Hania stepped up to provide assistance to those in dire need. Born in Sidon, South Lebanon, she developed a WhatsApp-based aidbot designed to streamline access to critical resources for displaced individuals.Describing the devastation, Hania states, "They lost their houses, their savings, their work, everything they had built," referring to the countless families uprooted by violence. Following a significant escalation in conflict on September 23, where over 490 lives were lost, many fled their homes to seek refuge in public school facilities, while others sought shelter with friends and relatives. Hania's goal became clear: to help those facing challenges in obtaining government support.By creating an "aidbot," Hania utilized her programming skills to ensure a more effective distribution of aid such as food, clothing, and medical supplies. The bot, a user-friendly AI tool connected to WhatsApp, collects vital details from users regarding their type of aid needs, location, and personal information. This data is compiled into a Google spreadsheet, enabling Hania and her team of volunteers to coordinate their efforts effectively.Hania built the bot using Callbell.eu, a platform typically utilized for customer engagement, and has made it publicly accessible. The initiative has notably improved the speed of aid distribution, enabling Hania to manage requests efficiently. For example, when someone requests baby formula, the bot prompts users for their child's age and needed quantity, allowing Hania's team to respond accurately and timely.Funding for the project comes primarily from the Lebanese diaspora, with a public dashboard tracking donations and expenditures. To date, the project has successfully delivered hundreds of mattresses, blankets, and food parcels to families impacted by the conflict.Khaldoun Abbas, a displaced resident, shared his experience after he and his relatives relocated to Sidon following a strike that devastated their home. He relied on the aidbot for crucial items for his family, illustrating the ongoing demand for assistance that the initiative seeks to address.Hania acknowledges that Sidon has long been a refuge for those displaced by conflict, and with the recent surge of violence, the city has again opened its doors to those in need. The current conflict, which stems from renewed tensions involving Hezbollah and Israel, has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement.Despite the ongoing skirmishes, a ceasefire was agreed upon last November, yet the dire need for aid persists. Many organizations, including UNICEF, struggle to meet the overwhelming demand due to limited funding and resources.The aidbot's unique application in humanitarian efforts has garnered attention from researchers, with John Bryant acknowledging it as an innovative approach tailored to the local context. While questions remain about the scalability of this model elsewhere, it undoubtedly provides a lifeline for families in Lebanon navigating an increasingly difficult reality.As Hania’s initiative continues to evolve, the aidbot offers a glimpse of hope—demonstrating that, even amid chaos, innovative solutions can make a significant impact on the lives of those displaced by conflict.
