In Lebanon’s shelters, youth are stepping up when it matters most

As violence escalated across Lebanon, thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety in schools and public spaces now serving as shelters.

Amid the crisis, young people are not standing still.

Across the country, they are stepping forward supporting emergency response efforts while building skills that help them earn an income and navigate an uncertain future.

Through UNICEF’s Learning to Earning programme, funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, youth are taking on active roles in the response-from preparing meals and producing essential items to creating small but meaningful moments of care inside shelters. 

Youth in the Kitchen: Cooking for displaced families and children

At the TVET schools across Lebanon, sheltering internally displaced families, UNICEF, in partnership with WFP, has set up kitchens to support daily meal preparation efforts.

The day starts early. Displaced Youth work side by side across the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and portioning meals for distribution across the shelter. More than 150 trained youth produce around 2,000 meals daily, helping ensure families and children have access to warm food.

Through this work, they build on their training in cooking, kitchen setup, hygiene, and safety, while learning how to manage large-scale meal preparation and coordinate tasks in a fast-paced environment. 

Some of these youths are displaced. Today, they are not only learning and earning but also staying active and supporting others facing similar challenges.

Abdallah (17) shared how joining the kitchen changed his daily life: “We were living in the Beirut suburbs, and when the war started, we had to leave our home and move to a shelter” He adds: “I was eager to join the kitchen initiative. It gave me the opportunity to learn cooking skills, earn income, and help others. 

He adds: “Every day, we start at 8:00 AM with sessions led by a chef, where we learn about kitchen hygiene and safety. Instead of sitting all day, I’m learning, staying active, and doing something meaningful.”

Youth in Production: Stitching clothing items for displaced families

In another space, efforts shift.

The sound of sewing machines fills the room as youth produce essential items for families and children living in shelters. They cut, stitch, and assemble materials into clothing items and sleeping bags.

Here, training becomes tangible. Skills in fabric handling, pattern cutting, and machine operation translate directly into items that bring comfort and protection to those in need.

More than 350 youth are involved in production, preparing approximatively 10,000 clothing kits and sleeping bags for distribution across affected locations in Lebanon. 

For many, this is their first experience applying these skills beyond the classroom, turning learning into something visible, useful, and immediate.

Lynn, 19, shared: “We, as young men and women, have the ability to support each other, especially families who had to leave their homes without basic necessities. That’s why we joined this initiative.

I feel a sense of purpose when I’m able to help others. We are working with our hands to bring even a small sense of comfort to people who have lost so much. The best part is working together towards one goal, it reflects unity and hope”.

Youth In Shelters: Simple moments of care

In several shelters across Lebanon, a different kind of support is taking place.

In schools hosting displaced families, displaced youth have set up simple barber stations offering haircuts and beard trims using basic tools and a chair.

Through this initiative, they are putting their grooming skills into practice while creating moments of normalcy for those navigating displacement. Around 94 youth are involved, reaching 3,553 individuals across shelters.

While the service is simple, its impact is immediate. For many, it is a chance to feel seen, cared for, and like themselves again, even if just for a moment.

Zeina, 23, shared: “Today, I feel better knowing that I was able to contribute and support my country during these difficult times. Seeing displaced families feel more comfortable because of this support made me happy, it showed a real sense of unity. I also made new friends along the way.” 

Supported by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, UNICEF’s Learning to Earning programme is helping young people across Lebanon turn skills into opportunity and action strengthening their livelihoods and expanding access to learning and job opportunities.

Even in times of crisis, youth are finding ways to support others, bringing not only practical help but also a renewed sense of hope.