The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) organized a series of checkpoints in the Beqaa and Baalbeck-Hermel governorates in the framework of the celebration of the International Day of Non-Violence, in cooperation with the participants of the project “Youth Solidarity Against Extremism”, implemented by LOST in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the areas of Baalbeck, Chaat, Ein, Ersal, Hermel, Deir El Ahmar, Boudai, Britel, Bedneyel, and Marj.
As part of the celebrations of the International Day of Non-Violence, a delegation from the Dutch Foreign Ministry visited LOST’s center in Baalbeck, where they met with the youth, as they were also briefed on the progress of the project. Moreover, they visited the checkpoints in Baalbeck, Bedneyel, and Britel, and helped the youth in the distribution of pine trees.
Media Director Mr. Ahmad Shalha spoke about the project that aims to promote and
disseminate a culture of civil peace and dialogue among youth, reduce
extremism, consolidate the values of protection and respect for human
rights, build youth capacity for life skills, and strengthen the role of youth
in leadership. “These goals are achieved through the organization of targeted
activities, and the involvement of social figures to support the role of youth,
in addition to the implementation of community projects to promote youth
belonging and involvement in public work”, said Mr. Shalha.
He concluded, “the youth participating in the project decided to celebrate the International Day of Non-Violence by distributing pine trees marked with the slogan of youth solidarity to reduce extremism, which is celebrated on October 2nd each year, commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India’s independence movement and pioneer of philosophy, and the non-violence strategy”.
