In brief
Hania Zataari, a mechanical engineer from Sidon, Lebanon, has developed an "aidbot" on WhatsApp to assist numerous displaced families facing uncertain futures due to escalating military conflict. Amid the chaos following the renewed violence in October 2023, Hania mobilized her programming skills to create a tool that helps distribute vital resources efficiently. This innovation is especially crucial given Lebanon's dire socioeconomic climate and the overwhelming demands for aid, which have been exacerbated by recent hostilities.
Hania Zataari is a local engineer who stepped up to help displaced persons in Lebanon Last autumn, as conflict intensified in Lebanon, Hania Zataari, a talented mechanical engineer, responded to the pressing needs of displaced families. With a deep concern for those affected by the war, she designed an innovative WhatsApp chatbot, termed an "aidbot," aimed at facilitating access to essential aid for those in urgent need. The conflict escalated dramatically after Israel's offensive against the armed group Hezbollah intensified, which followed a violent episode beginning in October 2023. In just one day, 492 lives were tragically lost, marking one of the most devastating days in Lebanon's recent history. Thousands of families, including those from the southern region of Najjarieh, sought refuge in Sidon, leading to an overwhelming strain on local resources. Many families found shelter in schools or with relatives, while others struggled to secure stable housing.Understanding the plight of those affected who were falling through the cracks of governmental support systems, Hania leveraged her coding capabilities to create the aidbot, designed specifically for WhatsApp communication. The bot simplifies the process of requesting aid by gathering information such as the type of assistance needed and the user’s location. This data is compiled onto a Google spreadsheet, which Hania and her dedicated team of volunteers access to facilitate the distribution of necessities like food, healthcare items, and clothing.Utilizing the widely-accessible communication platforms of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger, Hania utilized Callbell.eu to develop her system. As a response to inquiries, she is less concerned with individual identities but rather with geographic locations to ensure efficient aid delivery. The aidbot has so far successfully provided 78 food parcels, 900 mattresses, and 323 blankets to families struggling in Sidon and beyond.The bot has proven essential for families like Khaldoun Abbas, who fled their home after receiving distressing evacuation calls from the Israeli Defense Forces. Crowded into a small apartment with 17 family members, Khaldoun personally benefited from the aidbot by acquiring necessary supplies like mattress and food for his extended family after their home was destroyed in an airstrike.Despite the ongoing challenges that displaced individuals face in Lebanon—compounded by a crippling financial crisis—Hania's bot represents a glimmer of hope. It is one of the first initiatives the Overseas Development Institute’s researcher John Bryant has seen, highlighting local cultural nuances through the use of technology in humanitarian efforts. Bryant notes the significance of local knowledge in adapting technological solutions to meet the unique needs of communities, which he considers vital for successful outcomes.While the aidbot cannot single-handedly resolve the myriad issues plaguing Lebanon, for the families reliant on it, it provides a measure of relief amidst the chaos. As challenges persist, ongoing support and creative solutions will remain critical in aiding those burdened by conflict and economic instability in Lebanon.
