In 2018, a group of individuals, dissatisfied with Lebanon’s existing preschool programs, initiated the Horshna Forest Program. They found most existing initiatives were urban-based, detached from nature, lacked Arabic language engagement and followed conservative pedagogies accessible only to wealthy families. The program was established as a school that enables preschool children to develop and learn through nature’s exploration.

Horshna fosters a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children build deep, meaningful connections — with themselves, their peers and the land that sustains them. Through its Forest Program, Horshna provides a self-sustaining model where families contribute to the continuity of the initiative, ensuring children aged 3 to 6 experience immersive learning in nature. Following a constructivist approach, the program nurtures cognitive, emotional and social growth, fostering a lifelong bond with the environment. As it evolves, it aims to expand nationally, complementing its core initiative with community-driven programs such as the Nature Club, which reconnects families with green spaces, promotes environmental stewardship and supports children facing adversity. By blending mentorship, participation and sustainability, the Horshna Forest Program cultivates a movement toward environmental and educational justice in the Arab region.