Our society currently resides in a loop of misunderstandings, violence and aggression. This is not its norm and certainly not it’s true face. Oblique took over but rays of sunshine can prevail, LOST and Search for Common Ground beamed a ray through the “Youth-Led Approach to Peaceful Coexistence Project” which mingled Lebanese and Syrian youth. The aftermath of the camp held as part of the project activities was staggering, proving our youth have got what it takes to build a brighter future.
A future promise is Fatima Ashaal, Fatouma as her close friends call her is a 19 year old aspiring college sophomore. The sky is the limit for the double major girl, but she does not limit herself to her studies. She is a social activist that has actively participated in many awareness and environmental campaigns. Segregation and stereotyping are her worst enemies as she says, “everyone is equal and pre judgments are unjust”. Fatima, who has participated in the Barka social cohesion camp for Lebanese and Syrian youth held last month, explained that it was a step towards coexistence. She explained,” Syrians are here of necessity, coexistence is key towards getting over hardship”. Fatima boasts that she has made numerous Syrian friends throughout the camp which she still gets together with; she says these friendships are here to stay even when they return to Syria. Fatima promises that she will not hold at this step and she will be even more forward towards a brighter society.
