About LACODE
Lebanese Association for Co-existence and Development
الجمعية اللبنانية للتعايش والانماء
Who We Are
The Lebanese Association for Co-existence and Development (LACODE)—الجمعية اللبنانية للتعايش والانماء—is a Lebanese, non-political, non-profit association established to strengthen citizenship, coexistence, and sustainable community development, with deep roots in Baalbeck and the wider Baalbek–Hermel region.
LACODE works on the belief that Lebanon’s diversity is a strength—a pluralistic “oasis” that can be protected through practical, people-centered initiatives that restore dignity, build resilience, and expand opportunity.
Head Office: Lebanon, Baalbeck, Eastern Entrance, behind Sinbad Restaurant.
(You can also list the public “Visit Us” direction used on the website if desired.)
Our Legal Status
LACODE is registered in Lebanon under the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities with Notification/Registration (علم وخبر) No. 942 (2014).
Our Mission
Our Vision
A community where people live together in dignity, supported by inclusive local development—where coexistence is not a slogan, but a daily practice reflected in services, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
We bring people together to achieve practical development goals and provide humanitarian support, while nurturing a culture of coexistence, collaboration, and civic responsibility—guided by the belief that lighting a single candle is better than cursing the darkness.
What We Do
LACODE’s work spans emergency response and long-term development, with a focus on solutions that are community-led, sustainable, and scalable.
1) Humanitarian Aid & Food Security
Food parcels and hot-meal support for vulnerable families during crises.
Partnerships that mobilize large-scale relief deliveries when needed.
Community kitchen-based response models—such as meal preparation initiatives that can reach hundreds of meals daily during emergencies.
2) Women Empowerment & Livelihoods
LACODE invests in women’s economic empowerment through skills, production opportunities, and dignified income—creating pathways for independence and resilience.
3) Local Development & City Renewal
We support community-led improvements and initiatives that reinforce social cohesion and restore pride in place—through public-interest actions, local projects, and community cooperation.
4) Education & Community Support
From community outreach to initiatives that encourage learning and recognition of achievement, LACODE supports education as a key pillar of sustainable development.
5) Environment, Water, and Food Sovereignty
LACODE’s priorities include water, climate action, and food sovereignty, supporting communities to sustain livelihoods and ensure healthy food access.
Our Signature Initiative: Community Kitchen + “YAMI”
LACODE operates an operational community kitchen in Baalbeck, designed according to ISO 22000 food-safety requirements, and self-funded by LACODE members.
In 2021, LACODE launched “YAMI”, an initiative that produces and sells authentic, healthy, chemicals-free homemade “mouneh”—prepared with care in a controlled food facility and produced by well-trained local women following best practices in quality and food safety.
Why it matters:
When customers choose YAMI products, they support women’s income, strengthen local food systems, and enjoy premium local goods made from fresh, healthy ingredients—contributing to zero hunger and self-sufficiency goals.
From Farm to Table: An Integrated Agri-Food Chain
LACODE works across the agri-food value chain—from production to processing, packaging, and distribution—so local goods can move from land to market efficiently and responsibly. This approach supports farmers and small producers while building a local circular economy rooted in dignity and sustainability.
Our People & Operational Capacity
LACODE runs its programs through a lean professional team and a wide network of empowered women and community contributors:
5 full-time employees (excluding founders)
225 women engaged on a contractual basis
Governance & Management
LACODE is governed through formal association structures (General Assembly + Board/Administration), as stated in its statutes and bylaws.
Management Team (Leadership):
Dr. Hussein Fouad Hassan – President (University professor & administrator)
- Mr. Mohammad Solh – Vice President & Executive Director
Eng. Michel Ghossein – Board Member (Engineer)
Ms. Rasha Solh – Project Manager (Teacher)
Ms. Rasha Hteit – Food Safety & Processing Specialist / Project Manager
Operational Structure (Organogram):
President Hussein Hassan; VP/Finance Manager Mohamad Solh; plus key functions including Project Management, HR & Training, Marketing, IT, Accounting, and MEAL.
Sustainable Development Goals We Align With
LACODE’s public SDG focus includes: No Poverty, Quality Education, Clean Water, Good Health, Partnerships for the Goals, and Zero Hunger.
Work With Us
Whether you donate, volunteer, sponsor a program, or support local products, you help LACODE protect dignity, strengthen coexistence, and expand opportunity across our communities.
Contact (as listed publicly): email and phone are available on LACODE’s contact page.
LACODE is a Lebanese NGO based in Baalbeck working to strengthen coexistence and community development through humanitarian aid, women’s empowerment, and sustainable agri-food initiatives—powered by local partnerships and community-led solutions.