Youth Civil Society and Leadership Program in Lebanon (YCSL)
The Youth Civil Society Leadership Program promoted activism among youth leaders to address corruption and promote good governance in Lebanon.
Youth aged 18 to 25 identified critical governance issues and worked to increase the transparency and accountability of community leaders. For this project, IREX partnered with the Lebanese Transparency Association. 
Together, they identified and supported youth leaders across seven of Lebanon’s most violence-affected regions. These young people in turn implemented focused, community-level projects that inspired youth activism and supported anti-corruption initiatives.
This project is now closed.
Goals
• Build the capacity of youth civil society leaders through advocacy and organizational training
• Identify issues that bridge sectarian divides by building partnerships of youth from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds
• Implement community-driven projects that improve government transparency and responsiveness
• Form a nationwide youth movement, the Lebanese Youth Collation Against Corruption (LYCAC), to provide a space for youth to work together on sustainable projects
Background
Twenty-six percent of Lebanese youth aged 15-24 are unemployed. Young people comprise approximately half of Lebanon’s unemployed population. Programs that target youth and build their leadership skills give them the capacity and self-confidence to improve their lives and transform their communities. The energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of young people represent a foundation for community development, increased volunteerism, and economic growth. Youth peer networks are in some cases better equipped to connect with particular populations inadequately reached or served by international development organizations.
Project Activities
Identify corrupt governance: YCSL mobilized stakeholders to advocate for increased local government transparency and accountability through specific awareness-raising, information-gathering, and government-monitoring projects.
Unify youth leaders: The initiative engaged youth across ethnic and religious boundaries through collaborative projects that brought youth from diverse backgrounds together to learn about effective leadership and good governance.
Promote advocacy development: YCSL training efforts helped youth leaders develop and refine their project ideas. Program staff continued to support these projects during the implementation period, assisting them as complications and new opportunities arose.
Additional Links
Contact
Project Facts
- • 350 youth received training in anti-corruption, conflict management, and project implementation skills.
- • Over 700 young people joined the Lebanese Youth Coalition Against Corruption (LYCAC).
- • Youth from 38 villages, representing 14 different religious sects, planned projects.
- • 28 youth leaders received small grants to carry out community mobilization projects.
News & Impact
People
Program Director, Lebanon
