The Armenian Educational Benevolent Union (AEBU) was founded in Beirut, Lebanon in 1969 for the primary purpose of providing financial assistance to underprivileged students of Armenian descent. Later, it provided additional services in health care assistance to disadvantaged community members through social centers and health care clinics it operates to this day in Lebanon.
The educational mission of AEBU started with the reestablishment of the Sahagian College that operated under a tin roof since 1922 and constructed a new building in Sin El Fil in 1969. The Sahaguian Levon Meguerditchian College operates to date after surviving bombardments during the Civil War, in 1978. The school was later renovated with the contribution of the Catholic Relief Services in 1978, and the Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation in 1998. The School is still one of the educational establishments that offers the lowest tuition fee among private schools in Lebanon.
Throughout the years, regional chapters were established worldwide.
In Syria, to date, the Central Committee of the Armenian Educational Benevolent Union actively supports the Guiligian College as well.
In Southern California, A.E.B.U. owns and operates a center in Pasadena, that serves as a youth and community center. From January 1989 through June 1999, AEBU operated a Saturday School offering Armenian classes to students attending public educational institutions to help preserve their Armenian identity.
The AEBU’s health care services started with the establishment of its first medical-social center in Beirut’s Nahr (Hadjin) region in 1988. This location has its own pharmacy, dental clinics, an ophthalmologic clinic, a physiotherapy room and a conference room for social services.
In 1995, AEBU founded a dental clinic in Rawda, Metn region. Another dental and medical center was opened in 1997 in Sin El Fil. These three centers offer services in densely populated communities in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health in Lebanon.
The AEBU was an active member of the Earthquake Committee of Armenia during the years 1988 through 1995. Following the 1988 Earthquake in Armenia, the AEBU-USA was able to secure the delivery of medical supplies and urgently needed assistance to Armenia through its own efforts and in collaboration with other organizations.
As for its Social Services, AEBU provides assistance to the elderly and the needy throughout its centers by providing consultation and educates its members through lectures and various events.
Throughout the years, regional chapters were established worldwide.
In Southern California, A.E.B.U. owns and operates a center in Pasadena, that serves as a youth and community center.