On the occasion of the International Youth Day, Amel’s centers in both El Ain and Mashghara hosted two events in collaboration with the UNFPA in the framework of “Family Planning and Early Marriage Peer to Peer Approach”. These events aimed to celebrate and give recognition to the youth empowerment cause, evolving around this year’s theme: “youth building peace”.
A play was written and designed by Syrian and Lebanese youth beneficiaries about hope and peace based on their perspectives, which was then presented at Amel’s Mehdi Eidi center in Mashgharah, in the presence of parents, youth, Amel’s team and local community representatives.
The play narrated the story of two desperate young people whose dreams were destroyed by the war in their country. They start sharing their tears and hopes, until they eventually discover that peace is the key to rebuilding their dreams and the hope of all young people.
In the Al Ain center, youth from both refugee and local communities were divided into groups, to form what they called “Love barriers” on the city main roads. They interacted with strangers and offered them free roses and brochures the advantages of peace on society.
About Youth International Day
According to UN 2017: “The current generation of youth are the largest in history and young people often comprise the majority in countries marked by armed conflict or unrest, therefore considering the needs and aspirations of youth in matters of peace and security is a demographic imperative.
Young people’s inclusion in the peace and security agenda and in society more broadly, is key to building and sustaining peace. The process of social inclusion for youth, including participation in decision-making as well as access to quality education, health care and basic services promotes their role as active contributors to society and affords young people with opportunities to reach their potential and achieve their goals. When youth are excluded from political, economic and social spheres and processes, it can be a risk factor for violence and violent forms of conflict. Therefore, identifying and addressing the social exclusion of young people is a precondition for sustaining peace.”
