Youth in South Lebanon Step Forward as ChangeMakers

In towns and villages across Southern Lebanon, youth are stepping up to shape the future of their communities. Through the Youth Empowerment Project in South Lebanon, UNICEF equips them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to take part in decision-making and lead change. The project brings together youth engagement and youth-led initiatives based on the needs of their communities. It also includes competency-based and life skills training and enrollment in cash-for-work, opening new pathways to livelihoods and income generation. The project aims to position youth as partners in building peace, promoting dialogue, and advancing sustainable development.

Civic Engagement and Skills for Change

In places like Deir Qanoun En Nahr, youth are taking part in civic engagement training to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. They explored leadership, advocacy, and livelihood skills through interactive activities and group exercises, discovering how to analyze their community’s needs and work together to build practical solutions.

Youssef, 20 years old, from Deir Qanoun En Nahr, shared: “Through the civic engagement workshop, we learned how to serve our town by planning and launching community projects. This experience expanded my network and connected me with inspiring, active young people. It boosted our confidence to share ideas and discuss them openly. Now, I feel motivated to continue volunteering and initiating change in my community. My message to other youth: take initiative and volunteer, the future of our society depends on you.”

“Through the civic engagement training, I gained awareness of the importance of youth involvement in community action to create real change. We learned how to assess needs, map gaps, and design initiatives that respond to them. This experience taught me how to turn ideas into practical solutions and gave me the confidence to express myself and share my views. I also connected with other motivated young people who want to make a difference in their communities.” Said Farah Kharroub, 22 years old expressed.

Empowering Youth to Lead and Earn

Beyond civic engagement, the project connects participants to competency-based vocational training and income-generating opportunities. These pathways strengthen social and economic inclusion, helping young people build sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.

Impact and Vision

Through this approach, youth return to their towns as leaders and catalysts for positive change fostering dialogue, supporting peers, and launching initiatives that address local challenges. To date, the proramme implemented by UNICEF aims to reach 300 youth across 10 villages under the area of operations of UNIFIL in the south of Lebanon, giving them tools and skills to create meaningful impact. By investing in youth capacity and opportunity, UNICEF is fostering, social cohesion, and hope across Southern Lebanon.

The “Youth Empowerment Project in South Lebanon” is funded by UNIFIL and implemented by UNICEF and UNESCO.