Youth nowadays are far more educated and aware of the world they live in than ever. They seek everything that’s new, challenging, and that gets them to unlock achievements. After a 5-year experience in the domain of youth programs, UNICEF and the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) adjusted the “Skills for Active Youth Program” so that it meets future generations’ aspirations and character building needs.
Nagham Rifaii is a 19-year-old Lebanese girl who has transformed from a shy student to a socially active student as a result of enrolling in the Life Skills training, as part of the “Skills for Active Youth Program”, which is directed towards Lebanese and Syrian Youth aged between 14 and 24. The program is comprised of 6 training programs: YBLN (Youth Basic Literacy and Numeracy), LS (Life Skills), CBT (Competency Based Skills Training and Vocational Orientation), Innovation Lab (GIL), Message Through Arts (MAT), and Mentorship Training. The training programs extend all over the Northern Beqaa area, from Ersal to Bednayel.
Nagham, one of 900 beneficiaries targeted through the first cycle of the Life Skills Program, had the option to choose among the two training types of the Life Skills program, so that she can apply what she acquired, through the implementation of Positive Skill Engagement Initiatives (PSEI). Youth, through the training, learn how to conduct a needs assessment, thus determining their community’s most urgent needs. Each beneficiary who attends the complete training contributes $80, so that at the end of the cycle they collect a sum of $1,600 to execute a social project.
At the end of cycle one, 36 initiatives were planned to be implemented. Mentioned below is a briefing of 2 of the initiatives. At Ersal, the youth decided to renovate a Customs Department Outpost which provides services to an undefined number of citizens. The office was in a really bad shape which doesn’t suit a governmental entity, nor provides services efficiently. What was really interesting this cycle is that the youth of the CBT (Plumbing and Electricity Training) program, assisted in the equipment installation process, under the supervision of their trainers. In addition, 10 youth from the Life Skills training aided in the painting process of the offices. In a matter of weeks, the Customs Department Outpost was as busy as a beehive. After work was done, the bathrooms were tiled and re-equipped with new pipes, sinks, faucets, bathroom chairs, etc. New electric switches, energy-saving light bulbs, chassis, and power outlets were installed. Walls at all offices were either covered with wallpaper or painted.
“The renovation of the Customs Department Office in Ersal provides services for all the citizens and businessmen who come to the office for customs related issues. The place has become friendlier even for detainees. This is one of the most important governmental entities here, and it was in an advanced stage of negligence, just as Ersal has been forgotten by the government,” noted the Head of the Customs Department Outpost.
Moving on to Hermel, a public high school was rehabilitated, the “Al Morh High School” after a group of 14 beneficiaries of the Life Skills program finalized the needs assessment. The decision was set upon this reputable high school because it is the oldest school in Hermel region, 50 years old, and has been graduating consecutive generations through out the past years. Mohamad Al-Dinnawi, 16 years old, is one of the beneficiaries who participated in the planning and implementation of the initiative, where he, alongside 15 other beneficiaries, decided to rehabilitate the school’s drinking fountains, bathrooms, and the playground. “Previously we were disgusted to drink from school, the drinking fountain used to be covered with mold and rust, it was so repulsive we often waited until after school, so we could drink. After the initiative was conducted, we trust that we can drink clean water which is our minimal right, but most importantly, this has opened our eyes to a duty laid on us in preserving school’s facilities and equipment”, stated Mohamad.
The implemented initiatives through the Life Skills program have unleashed great potential in youth and uncovered a creative nature buried within. The impact of the initiatives is manifested through a personal and social effect on youths’ personalities and the community they live in. Youth really appreciate and are very thankful for the continuous support and funding of the German, Netherlands, and UK Aid donors, which is put into action and highlighted through the collaboration between UNICEF and LOST.
