Youth Can Become Effective Leaders In Lebanon - Ifi Research And Policy Memo #3

IFI Research and Policy Memo #3 | September 2009 Youth Can Become Effective Leaders in LebanonCatholic Relief Services (CRS) Reflecting the dynamism and energy of their society, youth in Lebanon are easily mobilized. About half of Lebanese youth say they volunteer, and a majority of them do so at least monthly. Yet their activity reflects the politicized, evolving, often tense nature of their context. This creates both an opportunity and a challenge. More often than not in Lebanon’s divisive context, this youth activism is through political parties or politically affiliated groups and these experiences necessarily shape youth perception of their society and options. Youth are flooded with messages of intolerance and the need to be fearful of the other – messages which older generations with memory of different times can withstand better. Many girls and young women in particular demonstrate aggression in this context. In times of tension such as the May 2008 events, these messages and means of mobilization, combined with the availability of arms and paramilitary training, can help youth become accelerators of conflict.