SKILD Center (which stands for Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences) is a pioneering, Lebanon-based non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and learning difficulties.

Founded in March 2011 as part of Thimar (formerly LSESD), it originated from a dedicated special education program at the Beirut Baptist School (BBS) when educators realized the massive regional gap in specialized care, assessments, and community support.

SKILD addresses these gaps through several key areas of impact:

1. Services & Assessments

Operating from its center in Mansourieh (El Maten), SKILD provides diagnostic psycho-educational assessments, speech and language therapy, psychomotor therapy, psychotherapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These services identify academic, emotional, and social challenges to create individualized action plans for students.

2. School and University Integration

SKILD works to build a “continuum of care” that follows individuals from childhood to adulthood:

• Schools: They assist private and public schools in developing special education departments. This includes running the SMART Program at BBS and piloting inclusive education initiatives across many schools in Lebanon.

• Higher Education: Through the IDEAL program at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), they help university students with learning differences transition smoothly into higher education and the workplace.

3. Educator & Caregiver Training

They offer professional development courses—such as the Guided and Skilled program—to equip teachers, community members, and church leaders across Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq with practical strategies to foster inclusive learning environments.

4. Family Support & Advocacy

Recognizing that special needs affect the entire family, SKILD hosts the Parent2Parent support group to give mothers emotional support and practical advice. Nationally, they champion institutional change, most notably by launching Lebanon’s National Day for Students with Learning Difficulties and hosting the annual Night to Shine prom event.

5. Global Recognition

Reflecting its high standard of service, SKILD holds the distinction of being the first special needs center outside of the United States to receive accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), validating its role as a model organization for inclusive education in the Middle East.

The founding of SKILD Center

SKILD Center originated as a dedicated special education program operating within the classrooms of Beirut Baptist School (BBS).

Through their work with students facing learning difficulties, the educators at BBS recognized an urgent need and a greater mission: to expand specialized support beyond the school walls and serve the wider community. This recognition marked the birth of the SKILD Center.

Driven by a Personal Need: Expanding Our Mission

The journey to positively impact students across Lebanon was fueled by a critical search for broader assessment and comprehensive support services for children, teachers, and families.

This need became deeply personal for the CEO of LSESD, whose own son faced years of undiagnosed learning challenges. His experience highlighted a significant gap in available services throughout Lebanon. This realization strengthened the vision for an organization dedicated to ensuring that no child is left without the specialized support they need to thrive.

SKILD is Established

To bridge this crucial gap, the SKILD Center (Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences) was officially founded in March 2011.

Since its inception, SKILD has remained committed to equipping children, families, and educators with the necessary resources to foster truly inclusive learning environments. Our ongoing mission is to advocate tirelessly for the rights of all children with special needs across Lebanon and the region.