LOST – The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training – report on their experience of deploying positive leadership tools to youth in Lebanon.
Report by Majdoline Jaafar
Change has always been a bitter pill to swallow. If you go back in time, to whatever revolution was made, to whatever discovery was revealed, to whatever norm was broken or righteous case fought for, you will find out that the basis of all was a need for change. You can clearly tell that change is never easily reached or accepted. This may be simply because human nature is fearful of change, regardless of whether that change is behavioural or intellectual, and regardless of the nature of its results. So, what if you plan to change the mindsets and behaviours of a society that is chained to its norms and traditions, despite its position in a modernised and civilised world? Do you think it is possible?
Yes, it is. It isn’t easy but it is possible. How is that? Where might it be possible? And by what means? Well, through their partnership in implementing a training programme titled ‘Skills 2019,’ UNICEF and LOST were capable of igniting the first flame of change in a society that has survived many challenges. This programme was first implemented in Lebanon right after the Syrian Influx into the country. At one time, Lebanese society considered all Syrian refugees as potential terrorists, while the Syrian refugees in turn largely considered the Lebanese to be racists.
However, now both groups co-exist peacefully despite their challenging environment which is threatened by deteriorating economic situations and scarce employment opportunities.
Let’s read a bit more about the people who comprise LOST. How has the ‘Skills 2019’ programme helped an entire society survive major challenges? And how did the Positive Leadership Module play a role in this change?
Established in 1998, LOST focuses on developing the ultra-conservative and underdeveloped communities of the Republic of Lebanon socially, politically, and economically via versatile programmes that build and enhance communal capacity, educate and train youth and women on civic and intellectual matters, and engage them in civic affairs. Their ultimate objective is the creation of a democratic and peaceful society where the rule of law, justice, liberty and economic wellbeing are customarily upheld and protected.
LOST is geared towards enhancing the intellectual capital of the local society especially through its programmes for youth, women, and children. Since its inception, LOST has managed over 20 Million USD in community development projects funded by numerous international organisations and government institutions including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNESCO, WFP, the Embassies of The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Action Aid Denmark, GIZ (Germany), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Mercy Corps, the Italian Development Cooperation, the Search for Common Grounds (SFCG), the Canada Fund, the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), GVC, Forum ZFD, Orient Helfer, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and the Government of Bavaria.
