The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), in cooperation with UNICEF in Lebanon, and through funding from Germany through the German Development Bank KFW, inaugurated a Youth Safe Space in the agricultural village of Baalbeck, aiming at providing youth with a secure facility for inter and intra- communal interaction, recreation, dialogue, and creativity. In the presence of more than 30 youths who participated in the Cash for Work program, UNICEF’s Representative in Lebanon, Yukie Mokuo, Governor of Baalbeck-Hermel, HE Bashir Khodr, Jaafar Assaf, representative of the Minister of Agriculture Abbas Mortada, MP Bakr Al-Houjeiry, pastor of the diocese of Baalbeck Deir Al-Ahmar Maronite, Bishop Hanna Rahma, Mufti of Baalbeck-Hermel, former Sheikh Bakr Al-Rifaii, Head of General Security office in Baalbeck HE Lt. Col Gayath Zaiter, Regional Director of the State Security Directorate in the Governorate of Baalbeck-Hermel HE Lt. Col Hussein Al Dirany, mayors, municipal members, and social activists.
The founder of LOST, Dr. Rami Lakkis initiated the event, saying, “this youth venue is not just a geographical place, its importance also lies in its representation of the idea and the need in our region for a safe place away from the chaos and dangerous social aspects that threaten the safety and stability of young people”. Dr. Lakkis added, “I have two messages for municipalities: the first is to involve youth in developing their towns, and the second is to work to create safe spaces for young people because of its role in enhancing their capabilities and contributing to their psychological and social stability”.
Dr. Lakkis also gave a brief of a number of projects and interventions implemented by LOST in cooperation with UNICEF, especially in times of distress, an economic crisis, and a global pandemic, which included “securing 800 jobs, supporting 400 farmers, distributing 2,000 shares of agricultural seeds and 2,000 food kits for vulnerable families, 500 daily hot meals for 40 days for the acute hungry, and establishing 1,000 meters of sewage canals”.
For her part, UNICEF’s representative in Lebanon Yukie Mokuo expressed her happiness in attending this event, and praised the youth project “especially that it comes in light of the crises that Lebanon is going through.” She added, “your contribution to building this safe space not only gives us hope to create job opportunities, but also provides opportunities for construction, reconstruction, and development, and I congratulate you because you have shown that Baalbeck is a model region in these difficult circumstances”.
Governor Khodr considered that “The project constitutes a glimmer of hope in these difficult circumstances, and within a week Baalbeck sent messages of hope to all the Lebanese, the first of which was the Baalbeck International Festivals event, and then this space, along with the free health days for the citizens”. Khodr stated, “real investment is the investment in youth, and this initiative is an act of defiance of the crisis, and a mean of steadfastness in the face of immigration, hunger, and surrender.”
Youth also had some feedback to share. Mohammad Saad, 21 years old, quoted, “I participated in the CFW program and was very excited and happy. But now, I am satisfied. I was actually part of this beautiful safe space. I was a part of the idea, the design, and the real implementation. The whole experience is very rewarding now that it was completed”.
Ali Waly, 25 years old and also a former competency-based skills (CBT) participant and among the workers who built the safe space, expressed, “I cannot be more proud. Thank you UNICEF and LOST for your support; through your projects, we feel productive, we experience what it is like to be an effective citizen, determined youth, and we develop this sense of belonging to our country, area, and each other”.
After the opening tape was cut, attendees toured the safe space, and the youth welcomed them, played music, sang meaningful songs, and painted.
