Youth Civil Society and Leadership Program in Lebanon (YCSL)

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Youth Civil Society and Leadership Program in Lebanon (YCSL) promotes activism among young leaders to address corruption and bad governance. YCSL, an 18-month program of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the US Department of State and administered by IREX, mobilizes youth leaders and empowers them with resources and skills to combat inefficient and corrupt governance in Lebanon. IREX partners with the Lebanese Transparency Association (LTA), a leading local NGO specializing in anti-corruption programs since 1999.

KEY OBJECTIVES

1. Build the capacity of youth civil society leaders in advocacy and anti-corruption techniques

2. Identify issue-based projects that bridge sectarian divides

3. Implement community-driven youth projects that improve government transparency and accountability

4. Form a nationwide youth coalition called Lebanese Youth against Corruption

Project Activities

Targeted training create a select group of youth leaders capable of mobilizing local communities to address poor governance. In addition to training, the program provides small grants to support projects that encourage transparency and bridge sectarian divides. This dynamic cadre of youth leaders will consolidate their resources in a nationwide youth coalition. At least 30 anti-corruption projects will be implemented and 20 anti-corruption groups brought together under the coalition.

IREX is focusing on seven of the most volatile regions of Lebanon. In these volatile communities, civil society leaders will establish sustainable mechanisms to monitor local government and advocate for improved governance.

Project Results

Youth leaders (ages 15-25) will learn to identify the issues related to corrupt governance and mobilize stakeholders to increase transparency and accountability of local government. In addition to addressing poor governance, projects will also unify youth leaders across ethnic and religious boundaries.

Program Contact

For more information about YCSL email newsroom@irex.org.

E-mail this page