As one of the many ways of promoting social cohesion in Baalbeck between Lebanese and Syrian youth, the Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST), in partnership with UNESCO, carried out musical performances at Hekme Theater. These performances are part of the third phase of the social cohesion project, which aims at empowering local NGOs by creating youth role models.
Youth from LAS (Lebanese Association for Students) participated in the musical performances. Prior to the performances, these youth were given civic participation training, music training, and vocal training. These music performances were an excellent example of promoting social cohesion, because performing music involves coordinating efforts with one another, to produce a pleasing sound, which can oftentimes communicate a sense of belonging to others.
Youth are able to increase their trust between each other through music, which has the potential to make youth feel connected, and it paves the way for increased empathy, and social connection. These performances gave them a chance to reduce tension between one another, and to create a culture of peace, which are the standards set by LOST and UNESCO.