Lebanon PA
Voices of Change: Lebanese Youth for Peace, Health, and Harmony
Prepared by "Forever Young Organization" represented by the Lebanese team
Introduction: Lebanon at PEHELI 4 ALL
As representatives of Lebanon in the PEHELI 4 ALL Youth Exchange, we come with stories rooted in resilience, diversity, and a strong sense of identity. Lebanon, often described as a small country with a big heart, is a vibrant mosaic of religions, ethnicities, and traditions. This diversity has shaped a society rich in heritage but also marked by complexity. In the face of these challenges, Lebanese youth have developed a unique ability to foster dialogue, maintain coexistence, and promote community wellness. Through this reflection, we aim to explore how the themes of peacebuilding, health, and cultural exchange intertwine in our lives and how our lived experiences can contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious future.
Peace and Conflict Resolution in Lebanon
In Lebanon, peace is not merely the absence of war—it is a constant commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared identity. For us, peace means access to education and healthcare, the freedom to express oneself safely, and the ability to live side by side despite different beliefs. Lebanese society has long practiced both traditional and modern conflict resolution techniques, with youth stepping up as key players in these efforts. Dialogue circles hosted by schools and NGOs, community mediation led by respected elders, and creative outlets like theater and spoken word are some of the ways we tackle division.
We've witnessed impactful peacebuilding initiatives firsthand. Organizations like the Adyan Foundation promote interfaith understanding through education, while March Lebanon uses theater in Tripoli to bring together youth from conflicting neighborhoods.
Health and Well-being in Youth Culture
Just as peace is multifaceted, so is well-being. Lebanese youth are increasingly recognizing that health extends beyond the physical—it encompasses mental, emotional, and even spiritual balance. The Mediterranean diet, with its abundance of fresh produce and balanced portions, forms the cornerstone of our nutritional habits. However, modern challenges such as fast food culture, academic stress, and urban living have created new hurdles for today's youth.
Mental health, once a taboo topic, is now gaining visibility thanks to initiatives like Embrace and IDRAK, which promote awareness and support. Spiritual practices, whether rooted in faith or personal mindfulness, continue to provide comfort and grounding. Meanwhile, physical activity remains central to our lifestyle—whether it's dancing the Dabke at family gatherings, hiking in our mountain villages, or attending yoga classes in Beirut. These practices not only promote wellness but also serve as cultural expressions that bring generations together.
Cultural Identity and Exchange
Our cultural identity as Lebanese youth is deeply layered—shaped by both Eastern and Western influences, by rural traditions and urban trends. This duality helps us navigate global conversations with empathy and understanding. At PEHELI, we plan to share a glimpse of this identity through music, food, dance, and storytelling. From Fairuz's timeless melodies to the bold flavors of kibbeh and tabbouleh, we hope to offer more than a cultural performance—we want to create a space for meaningful exchange.
Through storytelling sessions and discussion circles, we'll reflect on the pressures faced by youth in Lebanon—from navigating political instability to maintaining mental well-being in uncertain times. These conversations, grounded in honesty and hope, are opportunities to build bridges with peers from other cultures.
Youth Engagement and Local Action
Despite the challenges Lebanon faces—from economic crises to brain drain—our youth remain deeply committed to community action. Initiatives like Baytna Baytak, which mobilized volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, or Live Love Beirut, which champions environmental causes, showcase the energy and creativity of our generation. The Lebanese Red Cross Youth continues to play a vital role in health education and emergency support, proving that even in adversity, collective action can thrive.
In schools and NGOs, we've seen best practices that make a real difference—mental health awareness weeks, anti-bullying campaigns using theater, and university wellness fairs promoting fitness and nutrition. These efforts not only educate but empower young people to take charge of their health and their communities.
Erasmus+ and the Power of European Youth Work
Through this exchange, we've also explored the broader impact of the Erasmus+ program. More than just travel, Erasmus+ encourages non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue, allowing youth to develop skills like empathy, leadership, and teamwork. The Youthpass Certificate offers a unique way to reflect on these experiences, helping us articulate what we've learned and how we've grown.
Living and learning with youth from across Europe allows us to challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and find common ground. These are the skills we hope to bring back home—not just to improve ourselves, but to inspire change within our communities.
Digital Tools and Storytelling
As digital natives, Lebanese youth are adept at using technology to tell stories and raise awareness. From Instagram campaigns advocating mental health to TikTok challenges promoting body positivity, social media has become a powerful tool for expression and activism. Throughout the preparations, we've been using Canva to create visual content, CapCut to edit videos, and WhatsApp Groups to organize our ideas. We plan to document our journey through blog posts, social media takeovers, and a final video capturing the spirit of our experience.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for the Future
As the Lebanese team at PEHELI 4 ALL, we carry with us the spirit of a country that, despite its trials, continues to strive for unity, wellness, and peace. We are not just participants in a program—we are storytellers, dancers, learners, and advocates. Through this experience, we hope to not only share our cultural heritage but also learn from the journeys of others.
We believe that when youth come together with open hearts and curious minds, they can build a future defined by respect, balance, and shared humanity. Let's co-create that future—one story, one dance, and one meaningful connection at a time.