Lebanon has its own culture and traditions that may be different from yours.   General overview o Population: about 4 million people (1 million migrant workers) o Capital name: Beirut o Surface: 10452 Km2 o Location: Lebanon is situated on the Mediterranean Sea. It has a north-eastern border with the Syrian Arab Republic and southern border with Israel and a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in the west. o Main cities: Beirut, Tripoli, Saida, Jounieh

Climate

4 seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The temperature varies from 4°C to 34°C: snowy in winter, hot in summer.
 

Households

Households of wealthy families are either houses or villas or very large apartments. They often hire more than one Migrant Domestic Worker.

Households of middle class families are smaller ( City apartments, or village houses ). They only hire one Migrant Domestic Worker.

Most of the families have two houses, one in the city and one in the mountain or by the sea.

Houses in Lebanon are built from stone and marble and are composed of several rooms (entrance, living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, laundry, balconies and rooftop). Some have a garage and a garden.

Religion

Religion is important in Lebanon where there is respect of freedom of religion. There are 18 sects present in Lebanon.

In Christian families, you will go to the church to participate at the mass with the family. Sunday is the day for prayer.

In Muslim families, Friday is the day for prayer at the mosque. You may be asked to wear a veil, as other women outside the house. Usually, men don’t shake hands.

If a Migrant Domestic Worker wants to participate in her/his community prayers, she/he can coordinate with her/his employer because there are special places for each community.
 

Family

Men are the workers on whom the family depends. They don’t participate in the household work.

Women are responsible for the household and children, in addition to their job outside the home.

Children stay with their parents till they get married.

The grandparents could take care of their grandchildren while their parents are at work.

All family members are close and there are always gatherings on different occasions and non-formal exchanging visits and without any appointment.

Working tasks and conditions:

• Babysitting

• Cooking

• Ironing

• Wiping dust

• Mopping the floor

• Cleaning carpets, floors, window…

• Cleaning the fridge, the stove

• Arranging the kitchen tools

• Washing clothes

• Hanging clothes on the balcony

• Taking care of elderly

• Taking care of sick people

• Opening the door to guests

• Answering the phone

To call Kenya from Lebanon dial:

00 254 + Kenya city code + Number