Who we are

Tres Marias Charity Organization is a migrant worker-led initiative founded in 2020 by Filipino migrant domestic workers in Lebanon. Born out of a commitment to solidarity and community, the organisation addresses the urgent needs of migrant workers and their families through relief efforts, advocacy, and empowerment programs. From providing food and essential support during crises to offering skills training and education, Tres Marias works tirelessly to uplift vulnerable communities, amplify their voices, and promote dignity and resilience.

Tres Marias Charity organisation is a community-led group which was founded by Filipino migrant domestic workers on April 22, 2020. With the rise of the street demonstration during the Lebanese revolution and due to the economic collapse as well as the Covid19 lockdown we saw the needs of our fellow migrant workers. As Filipino women community leaders we teamed up together and decided to launch a 50,000 Lebanese pounds challenge to jumpstart a relief operation project which we named “Pantawid Gutom” in Tagalog. We started the distribution in April 2020 and it is still ongoing to the present day. We are also empowering migrant workers and their children to advocate for their rights and building their capacities through educational and skills trainings.

Our work

Initiative - "Pantawid Gutom"

In the face of street demonstrations and challenges encountered by the migrant community, our Filipino women community leaders launched the "Pantawid Gutom" project in April 2020. This ongoing relief operation, initiated through a 50,000 Lebanese pounds challenge, aimed to provide immediate assistance to migrant workers impacted by the financial crisis in Lebanon. Pantawid Gutom continued to support migrant workers in need throughout the years including after the Beirut Port explosion, the Covid19 pandemic and most recently the displacement crisis due to the war in Lebanon.

Empowerment and Advocacy

Beyond immediate relief, Tres Marias is committed to empowering migrant workers. Through educational and skills training, our organization enhances the self-development and social capabilities of migrant workers in Lebanon and their home countries. In addition, we actively advocate for social justice, addressing unfair working conditions, salaries, and combatting workplace harassment. The empowerment programme has provided training workshops to migrant workers of all backgrounds for skills such as candle and soap making, food pickling, crochet and sewing among many. Tres Marias’ advocacy has focused on engaging with local and international NGOs to raise awareness on community needs and encourage change.

Advocacy for Migrant Children

Recognizing the importance of every migrant child's well-being, Tres Marias aims to instill a profound sense of belonging for every migrant child, acknowledging their unique challenges and providing support to nurture their growth in a foreign land. By creating a supportive environment, we aspire to ensure that every migrant child feels valued and included.Tres Marias’ kids regularly participate in our cultural events and are encouraged to embrace their heritage and identity through various activities such as dancing and singing.

Our dreams

Mission

Challenged by the injustices perpetuated by the Kafala sponsorship system, our vision is a world of unity where every individual, including migrant children, can live with rights and dignity.

Vision

Tres Marias strives to achieve this vision by providing self-growth and self-development training to empower migrant workers, fostering social justice, and improving the quality of life for migrant workers in Lebanon and those desiring to return home, with a special focus on creating a sense of belonging for migrant children.

Goal

Our overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life for every migrant worker in Lebanon, those aspiring to return home, and, specifically, to ensure that every migrant child experiences a deep sense of belonging.

Core Values

Social Justice

We believe in equal opportunities and social protection for all, opposing the discriminatory kafala system that deprives migrant workers, including children, of their social rights.

Self-Reliance

Sustainable assistance lies in empowering migrant workers, including children, with skills and knowledge, enabling them to generate income regardless of their location.

Unity in Adversity

Tres Marias stands in solidarity with all migrant workers, collaborating with various communities to challenge and overcome the hardships imposed by the sponsorship system, with a special commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for migrant children.

Moments of Empowerment: Explore the vibrant snapshots of Tres Marias' initiatives, where we celebrate resilience, promote economic justice, and stand in solidarity with migrant workers.

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