How UNICEF leveraged Lebanon’s richest source of strength and energy – its youth

“When the explosions hit, I was working in Achrafieh. I immediately knew I couldn’t sit and do nothing”, recalls Joyce Sassine, now a Youth Team Leader with UNICEF implementing partner Anera. “I soon learned that volunteering within your community is rewarding in so many ways”. UNICEF’s rapid response to the port explosions saw it embrace and, swiftly, empower Joyce and many others of the country’s youth.

In the aftermath of any disaster, cash for work programmes can become an essential component of relief and early recovery efforts. On the back of its already well-proven Cash 4 Work initiatives, UNICEF quickly mobilised more than 1,900 of the country’s youth in support of street clean-ups and minor rehabilitation of damaged homes and the reconnection of households to municipal and private water supplies.

Another youth engaged is Elie Abdel Ahad. He recalls the thrill of becoming involved in working alongside his fellow citizens in the days after the explosions. “We had the chance to help in a well-organised way and to reach more people and help more people. Together, we are all benefiting,” he says.

Those on the programme receive valuable knowledge and training – assets they will retain and use as they move into the formal labour market.

Today, one year after the response was launched, it continues to support the rehabilitation of the city’s households.

“At first, we used to go with the engineers to see the house and discover the extent of the damage. It could be doors that need to be fixed or replaced”, says fresh civil engineering graduate Mhammad Hassoun. Now, with knowledge gained, he’s more likely to go and assess situations himself.

Although it pays an income to the youth involved, this is anything other than a regular job.

Elie Abdel Ahad is a volunteer in UNICEF’s Youth Programme. “We don’t consider that we are coming to the office or a job. We feel that we are coming to help people, and we are making a positive impact on society – something that is especially important during these difficult times for Lebanon”.

Team Leader Joyce remains highly enthusiastic and witnesses daily improvements that she and her colleagues are making to the City of Beirut and its people.

“Whoever hasn’t tried volunteering before, I want to send them a message”, she says. “It is such a wonderful feeling to know that you’ve been able to put a smile on the face of someone who’s having a hard time. The best rewards come in small ways like this. The youth have worked hard and are appreciated, and that’s not always something we always feel in this city. I encourage all youth to join us”.

Occurring amidst multiple crises facing Lebanon, the explosions plunged the country further into the abyss. With UNICEF’s support, the country’s youth continue to demonstrate their commitment to building a better city.