As part of the “Youth Solidarity Against Extremism” (YSAE) project being implemented by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) in cooperation with the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, and with a cross-organizational collaboration with the Marsh Association and the Union of the Municipal Mount of Sheikh, YSAE trainees from Baalbeck-Hermel organized a trip to the Tripoli area to participate in a cultural exchange initiative aimed at promoting social cohesion in Lebanon. These youth were accompanied by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Jan Waltsman, Lebanese basketball athlete Fadi Al-Khatib, and civil society figures and activists.
The day started by visiting Abdul Wahab Island and the port markets. The participants then moved to the Citadel of Tripoli, where they were welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Tripoli, Khaled Al-Wali. They toured the castle, familiarizing themselves with its archaeological and historical monuments and its strategic importance over successive periods. They then toured the inner markets of the old city, checking different religious monuments such as mosques, churches, baths, and khanates, and participated in dialogue sessions with young people from all over Lebanon. The last station was Syria Street, which separates the areas of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, where the young men and women participated in a clean-up campaign, before heading to attend a football match with the participation of Mr. Waltsman and Mr. Khatib.
The participation of youth in this project that aims at promoting a culture of tolerance is to achieve the project’s objectives of promoting and disseminating a culture of civil peace and dialogue among young people, reducing extremism, consolidating values, protecting and respecting human rights, building youth capacity in life skills, and enhancing the role of youth in leadership. YSAE trainees enjoyed this community trip for they have visited a new city, enjoyed a day out, and made new friendships with individuals from various backgrounds.
