Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Youth Programs


In the efforts of lessening deviation towards sectarian violence and promoting constructive communication among youth of different sectarian backgrounds, LOST announced a three month course covering citizenship, conflict resolution, and civic participation through the Academy of Peace project. More than 60 young citizens enrolled in 3 different locations in north Bekaa. The participants learned to share their opinion on issues deeply related to their lives. The project was concluded by an art exhibition and three plays that reflected participants understanding of the project.
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Farah Mahfoud
16 years old
A Participant of
Academy of Peace
When they first told me about the host program and that I have to visit strangers from a different sect, religion, and region, I was frankly reluctant, hesitant, and a little afraid of going to visit strangers and the way in which they might react.
I was really amazed and surprised by their warm welcome. They were teenagers who shared my interests and many of my points of view with respect to the different subjects we are being trained on such as citizenship and conflict resolution .We found that we have similar ideas that we can discuss and share. I was very happy to meet them and that I got the opportunity to break the ice and to change my pre-judgment and to understand others.
I learned from this experience that I should be open to others and try my best to communicate before I build thoughts. Although some people live in another place and have different beliefs, they belong to the same country and all their ideas serve our country but we just have to share it.

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