Lebanon
Youth develop skills and lead community change in nonformal learning centers
UNICEF Lebanon has been a pioneer in using and adapting the Adolescent Kit since its launch in 2016, implementing the Adolescent Kit through its adolescents and youth programme, in which teachers and facilitators support adolescents’ psychosocial wellbeing and protection, and promote connections and active engagement among young people from different backgrounds and situations.
In 2021 under the PROSPECTS partnership funded by the Government of the Netherlands, UNICEF Lebanon initiated a collaboration with UNHCR to implement the Adolescent Kit to build local organizations’ capacity to reach and engage both Lebanese and refugee adolescents with relevant psychosocial support, education and protection programmes. In 2022, UNICEF Lebanon expanded use of the Adolescent Kit, integrating it more broadly into all partnerships that address the empowerment of adolescents 10-19, and using it as resource to support their development and improvement of core skills for well being.
Using the Adolescent Kit, UNICEF Lebanon has collaborated with its partners to engaged thousands of adolescents and youth in community service programs, through they explore local problems and issues, formulate their own ideas for solution, and take action together. A programme assessment study found that adolescents who had completed the sessions experienced improved psychosocial wellbeing as a result of their participation in programme, including measurable and substantial improvements in their communication skills, and more ease in collaborating with new people.
UNICEF Lebanon has also collaborated with its partners to systematize the Adolescent Kit's arts-based, participatory methods in youth-oriented programmes throughout the country by training hundreds of youth facilitators across Lebanon to implement the Kit's approaches and activities in youth centres and humanitarian response programmes. Having found that the Adolescent Kit is an important and effective resource to empower and support youth, to foster their development of essential skills, and to involve them in taking action in their communities, UNICEF Lebanon plans to build and expand its partnerships to utilize the Kit in the youth, education and child programs programs, including in Makani (MY PLACE) centers throughout Lebanon and among local NGOs facilitators and front line humanitarian responders.
"Participating in the Adolescent Kit training program has been a life-changing journey, equipping me with skills, confidence, and resilience to navigate the challenges of adolescence and become a leader in my community."
Nisrine Kammourieh, youth participant
"As a Master trainer it is crucial to remember that the adolescent kit is not just a set of resources; it is a powerful tool for fostering growth and empowerment in young minds. Like a compass guiding them through the uncharted waters of adolescence, it equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate this transformative journey. Our role is to provide the map, but it is the adolescents themselves who will chart their course and discover their true potential."
Karina AL Nakkach, master trainer
"Facilitating the Adolescent Kit program has been an incredibly rewarding experience, witnessing the positive transformation of young minds and knowing that I play a vital role in shaping the future of these inspiring youth."
Ahmad Halima, facilitator
