Lebanese children speak out on peace and diversity

By Jessy Chahine, World Vision

LEBANON - Lebanese children met to exchange knowledge and learn more about peace and diversity on 8 March in World Vision’s office in Lebanon, a country that has been devastated by 15 years of civil war. The meeting was part of the “Children Council” project, one of the many advocacy projects of World Vision Lebanon.

The 48 child participants are part of World Vision’s “National Children Council,” composed of 60 children from 8 to 17 years old from different denominational, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including six children from each “Children’s Council” in World Vision Lebanon's ten projects.

“It was very moving to see children from different regions and backgrounds talking about tolerance and respect for each other, especially in a country that has been devastated by civil war, leaving a legacy of religious sectarianism which continues to cause armed conflicts, political assassinations, violence and tension in Lebanon,” said Patricio Cuevas-Parra, World Vision Lebanon’s advocacy and protection manager.

The child participants also elected the Board Council, which is composed of three girls and three boys, and functions to represent children at the national level, attend meetings with stakeholders, and participate in planning and evaluating activities at the national and community level.

As a child focused organisation, World Vision Lebanon has a mandate to give a voice to children and to advocate for their freedom of speech and expression in order for them to learn and practice their rights as participating members of society. World Vision has empowered children by establishing "Children Councils" in each of its ten projects. These Councils involve children in making decisions about issues that affect them.

“We are guided by a strong commitment to empower children, and the Council is the perfect platform to gather children’s ideas and opinions on issues that affect them while promoting approaches that encourage active, informed and equitable participation,” said Cuevas-Parra.

“The National Children’s Council was meaningful, productive, inspiring and fun,” he added.

The “Children’s Council” project aims to build the capacity of children to exercise their rights, show them that they have the power to promote diversity and tolerance through sharing in common activities, and equip them with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to influence their communities and peers and to contribute to a more just and peaceful society. These objectives are achieved through direct and indirect awareness raising activities, trainings and other activities that encourage children to interact across social, religious and ethnic boundaries. The project is sponsored by The Eagle Down Foundation and World Vision Switzerland.