Lebanese and Palestinian Youth Forge Bonds
Young people in Saida work to promote dialogue and awareness between communities.
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| Drama therapy and other activities promoting expression gave participants an opportunity to bond as a group.
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Although Lebanon's civil war ended 20 years ago, lingering animosities continue to undermine stability in the country. Significant numbers of Lebanese blame Palestinians for the carnage, and even though the groups live side by side in many areas, interaction is limited. The lack of communication exacerbates sectarian tensions that can erupt into conflict.
However, in the neighborhoods surrounding the Mieh w Mieh and Ain el Heloue Palestinian camps, in the densely populated southern city of Saida, local non-governmental organization (NGO) Shajar w Bashar is working to break down stereotypes, mitigate conflict, and promote solidarity and civic activism.
Supported by USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives, Shajar w Bashar provided life-skills and civic advocacy training to Lebanese and Palestinian youths living in neglected and sometimes volatile communities. Following the training, the group enrolled the participants in one of four talent clubs—photography, painting, drama, or writing—where they could exchange views and voice their fears and concerns through art. The non-threatening approach provided the participants with unique opportunities to connect and assess their thinking about "the other."
"I refused to interact with any Palestinian at first, but then when I had to, I discovered that they were like us, with the same aspirations, dreams and ambitions. This is how the barrier was broken and, over time, I changed my perception of Palestinians," said 17-year-old Mohammed Ghanem.
Shajar w Bashar then organized a number of community "open days" to showcase the youths' talents. The initial open day in Mieh w Mieh drew more than 450 residents, and the municipality provided the NGO with theater space and other assistance, which was a significant show of support for the youth-focused group.
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"The mixture of Lebanese and Palestinian is a great feature…it promoted not only the acceptance of peers from a different nationality but, more importantly, the acceptance of differences."
—Rawane Chahrour, 20
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The project has not only provided the communities' at-risk youths with opportunities for creative expression but also kindled in them a sense potential: "The daily sufferings…faced by both Lebanese and Palestinian youth often occur because our energy is not channeled towards better alternatives," said Lina Osayran, 20. "In Shajar w Bashar, we are expressing ourselves through creative means…and addressing the different problems that we suffer from. And it's paying off!"
For further information, please contact:
Marialice Ariens, Program Manager, 202-712-4031, mariens@usaid.gov
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