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Lebanese Youth Air Political and Social Concerns
FrontLines - June 2009
By Sven Lindholm
Over the past few months,
hundreds of Lebanese youth
have been using national media
to tell leaders, contemporaries,
and the public at large about
the issues that affect them. |
A young man takes part in a Hyde Park-style debate in Beirut.
|
Lebanese youth have not
been immune to the country’s recent political crises. And while
they appear at rallies and demonstrations,
they are not
involved in the decision-making
process on a substantive level
and lack places where they can
constructively express their
views and aspirations.
Nahar Ashabab, a Lebanese
NGO, is working to change that,
galvanizing youth across the
country through two projects
supported by USAID.
The first was a modern-era
model, with television cameras
rolling, using the Hyde Park
Speaker’s Corner debate scheme
from the 1800s, named after
the London park where anyone
can make a speech about
their concerns.
Through six televised
debates, youth questioned
their leaders about emigration,
extremism, Palestinian-Lebanese
relations, and other issues.
They also gave legislators an
earful about what the lawmakers
should be doing to improve
the country.
“Youth don’t always have a
voice in Lebanon—when they
do, it is usually through political
parties or sometimes NGOs,”
explained Basil, 19. “I want to
give my opinion and have my
voice be heard. I want youth to
have a role in our county and
freedom of speech.”
None of the questions were
pre-screened and the show’s
facilitators worked to ensure that
speakers presented different
political perspectives. “With all
that is happening in Lebanon,
it’s very important for youth to
talk and listen to others’ opinions,”
said Violette Khairallah
Selwan, the show’s coordinator.
The episodes aired by
Lebanese Broadcasting
Corporation, the first private
television station in Lebanon,
provided a rare opportunity for
youth to express themselves and
speak directly with p oliticians
in front of millions of viewers.
Nahar Ashabab, USAID’s
partner, also hosted a threeday
National Youth Dialogue
workshop that allowed young
people a way to recommend
changes they want to see
in Lebanon.
Their top requests to the
nation’s leaders included reducing the voting age to 18,
legalizing civil marriage, and
providing free education for all.
These issues were published in a
special supplement to An-Nahar,
Lebanon’s largest newspaper.
“I wish everyone in Lebanon
this chance to think together and
discuss controversial and heartfelt
issues as they relate to the
destiny of our country,”
Kholoud, a 21-year-old participant
from the Beqaa, said.
By speaking out about
issues that affect them, the
youth who took part in these
activities say they now sense
that they can hold their leaders
accountable in a democratic
manner. The two efforts have
also increased the visibility of
youth organizations, and,
according to another youth,
may “…add pressure on youth
NGOs to be more effective.”
Staff from USAID’s office
in Lebanon contributed to
this article.
★
FrontLines is published
by the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs
U.S. Agency for International Development
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by FAX to 202-216-3035; or by e-mail to frontlines@usaid.gov
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