As part of ongoing efforts to enhance skills and innovation for employment, and in partnership with Caritas Lebanon, Swisscontact implemented the SILA Project at Ajaltoun Public Technical School.
PIONEER project, one of the initiatives emerging from SILA, aims to strengthen social cohesion and peacebuilding in an inclusive educational environment, while also empowering youth through practical vocational training. Students from diverse religious and national backgrounds worked together to rehabilitate their damaged school, which had previously served as a shelter for displaced people during the latest war on Lebanon.
The students’ work extended beyond painting and repairing electrical wires. It also involved rebuilding trust, fostering dialogue, and overcoming prejudices.
The program included a peacebuilding workshop led by expert Mazen Abou Hamdan, a consultant in peace, nonviolence, and good governance at GroundUP Consulting. The workshop featured interactive activities, role-playing, and performances on the oud and cello, creating an atmosphere of openness and understanding among the students.
Commenting on the initiative, Abou Hamdan said:
“In Lebanon and the Middle East, we face many conflicts, and we are not used to talking about our differences and problems. Today, we created a safe space for students from different backgrounds to get to know each other, break stereotypes, and learn how to apply nonviolent communication in practice.”
Using interactive activities and real-life examples, participants explored various forms of bullying and acquired practical strategies to respond constructively, fostering a respectful and inclusive school environment.
Speaking about the importance of this initiative, Joseph Bou Assi, Head of Development and Livelihoods at Caritas Lebanon, said:
“Caritas Lebanon initially prepared Ajaltoun Technical School to serve as a shelter for displaced individuals. Following the end of the war and the return of those displaced, an assessment revealed wear and damage to the building, highlighting the need for rehabilitation. This is where the partnership with Swisscontact began.”
What makes this program truly remarkable is that the renovation work was carried out by the students themselves. Electrical class students handled lighting replacements and electrical repairs, while plumbing students took on bathroom maintenance. After receiving proper training, other students painted the classrooms. The initiative was further supported by companies like CMC and COLORTEK, which provided both training and essential materials.
Bou Assi added that renovation work is expected to be completed by the end of June, and shared that a new project focused on training in food production and refurbishing professional kitchens will follow.
This project is part of Swisscontact’s broader development program and is funded in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), part of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
📷 Photos: https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/71ce52f7-1a8a-404c-a9fd-131bd21519b9
🔗 Project Page:PIONEER Initiative on Swisscontact