Twenty-seven young Lebanese activists and community organisers came together in the Bekaa for a three-day training focused on leadership, dialogue and constructive conflict management.
Held at Keen International in Mekseh–Chtoura, the activity was organised by the ECES in partnership with the Arab Center for the Development of the Rule of Law and Integrity (ACRLI), within the framework of the European Union-funded project “Inclusive Democratic Participation: Strengthening Education, Participation and Oversight in Lebanon.”
The training formed part of Leadership and Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Stakeholders (LEAD). Through this flagship ECES programme, participants develop practical skills in leadership, negotiation, mediation and conflict management, while learning how to engage constructively with people who hold different opinions and experiences.
In Lebanon, LEAD has been adapted to address not only electoral disputes, but also the wider societal tensions that can affect dialogue and relationships within communities. The programme is based on the principle that disagreement does not necessarily lead to division when people have the tools and safe spaces needed to listen, communicate and seek common ground.
The Bekaa training brought together participants with different ages, backgrounds and levels of civic experience. Some had been involved in community activities for several years, while others were at the beginning of their civic engagement. This diversity became one of the strengths of the activity, allowing participants to exchange perspectives, learn from one another and explore difficult issues in an environment based on mutual respect.
Over the three days, the participants took part in interactive exercises, role-plays, group discussions and simulations adapted from the “Your Voice… Your Responsibility” (صوتك… مسؤوليتك) Training of Trainers manual developed by ECES and ACRLI. Rather than relying primarily on lectures, the training gave participants opportunities to practise the skills they would need when responding to real situations in their communities.
The training concluded with the “Circle of Light” (دائرة نور) simulation, which brought together the different skills developed throughout the programme. Faced with a fictional community under pressure, participants were required to listen to different perspectives, identify the underlying conflict, organise themselves as a team, build a coalition and develop a shared advocacy response.
By the end of the activity, the participants had not only explored key concepts but had also practised a common method for managing disagreement and working with others. The immediate result was a new cohort of young people equipped to listen before reacting, analyse conflicts more carefully and turn strong convictions into constructive civic engagement.
The activity was delivered by Tamara Hallak, a graduate of the LEAD Lebanon Training of Trainers programme, together with Aous Qutaishat, ECES LEAD Trainer. Their involvement reflects the programme’s cascade approach, through which trained facilitators share their knowledge with new groups in different parts of the country.
Each cascade training therefore extends the reach of the programme and contributes to a growing national network of young Lebanese leaders with shared tools for dialogue, conflict-sensitive leadership and democratic participation. By embedding these skills within local communities, LEAD seeks to ensure that the benefits of the training continue beyond the three days spent in the classroom.
ECES and ACRLI extend their sincere appreciation to the 27 participants for their commitment, openness and active engagement throughout the activity. They also thank Keen International for hosting the training and helping to create an environment in which meaningful dialogue, collaboration and learning could take place.
Through LEAD, the project “Inclusive Democratic Participation: Strengthening Education, Participation and Oversight in Lebanon” continues to empower young people to take an active role in their communities, build trust across differences and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient democratic society.
