The Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training, with the support of the Dutch Embassy in Lebanon, launched a project entitled “Strengthening Democratic Values and Practices in Baalbeck-Hermel” in the presence of mayors, municipal members, and social figures. The objective of this project is to enhance the level of democracy in Baalbeck-Hermel region, by strengthening the role of civil society organizations in the democratic process and improving the public awareness of civic participation values.
The project will be implemented over twenty-four months in five geographical areas within Baalbeck-Hermel, namely: Baalbeck, Deir El Ahmar, Bednayel, Ksarnaba, Hermel, Al Qaa, Ein, Ersal, Chmestar, and Tarraya. Mr. Ahmad Toufaily, the project manager, explained that LOST carried out trainings for the project in five of its branches. Leading up to the adoption of this project was the lack of democratic values and practices on one hand, and the weakness of civil society on the other hand.
This project is an attempt to promote active citizenship and good governance. It is designed to enhance civil society and capacitate its constituent bodies, which alleviates the sectarian and tribal affiliations amongst the region’s people. Moreover, it aims to capacitate more than 20 local civil society organizations (CSOs) and 80 social activists to assume their role in social progress. CSO working groups will also be created to act as a structural middle body between citizens and the government. The project will contain activities such as training workshops, as well as dialogue meetings with the participants.
Within the same framework, lectures will be given to enhance public awareness about democracy and the establishment of civil society groups. A committee to lead the working groups will be established, with the presidency of Baalbeck-Hermel governor and the membership of mayors, stakeholders, authority figures, and community leaders. The committee will meet with representatives of the working groups on a quarterly basis, in order to display the activities and achievements of the groups.
The partnership of LOST and the Dutch Embassy in Lebanon in implementing this project will definitely increase democratic values in various areas of Baalbeck-Hermel, and empower civil society groups, through capacity building arrangements. Most importantly, promoting and advocating the role of the citizens in the democratic process, is a fundamental expected result of this project.
