In 1860, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowen Thompson arrived in Lebanon after hearing of the plight of displaced women and orphans in the country. She founded what is known today as the Lebanese Evangelical Society.  Mrs. Thompson established the first school for the blind in the Middle East in 1868. It was first known as the British Syrian School for the Blind but over the years underwent several name changes. The present name was adopted in the year 2000 when the school broadened its ministry to reach students with special needs. It is now the Benevolent Lebanese Evangelical School for Special Education and Development (BLESSED).

Our school works very hard to serve and educate visually impaired people and children with special needs, that they may live a happy, righteous, and productive life. We prepare our students to be self-reliant,  educated, and fully integrated in society. We also aim to educate and inform our community that disabled people must be treated with equality. Cities and towns must provide them with safe environments. They have the right to a dignified life and must be provided with job opportunities. We honor and respect all religions, and we proclaim the living faith of our risen Lord: Jesus Christ.