The Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST) has initiated its newest partnership with one of the most world’s leading INGOs, Forum ZFD in an opening event held at its headquarters in Baalbeck on February 3rd, 2015. The “Future Together Now” project aims to establish effective and inclusive local mechanisms for conflict transformation, social inclusion and joint decision-making in 4 villages/towns in Baalbek/Hermel and Barr Elias (North and Central Bekaa).
This two-year pilot project will first prepare a team of 4 Community Mobilisers (CM); each will be set up and trained in each of the target locations. This capacity building training will include topics such as conflict transformation, communication, dialogue, negotiation and mediation, community empowerment, media competences, power and identity, team-building, organization and processes, personal security, self-care, etc. It will then be followed by the practical implementation of activities by the Community Mobilisers to practice the skills gained during the training sessions and identity and start addressing local needs. The Community Mobilisers will use their skills to understand local fault lines and the dynamics of political, administrative, social and civil society structures and support the implementation of action plans to address local needs through e.g. decision-making structures.
Simultaneously, the ZFD project team and LOST will reach out to Key and More People in the wider community of the target locations, including representatives of the host and refugee communities, in order to hold a 5-month consultation process to incorporate the Community Mobilisers into the local context, which will culminate in the development and launch of the locally adapted Mechanisms (one per target locality). The Mechanism will consist of structures and procedures for identifying and tackling different needs and conflicts in the local communities. It will draw on the potentials of local peace drivers and connecting local communities with their official representatives and authorities with the Community Mobilisers acting as connectors. it is envisioned that the Mechanism will be used as a role model in at least one other locality. Lobby and advocacy activities will also take place to raise awareness about the Mechanism on a national level.
