2010 till present

With the support of the LSU, Masar has been able to strengthen, on the long term, the democratic structures of the youth networks working on youth policy in Lebanon, namely YAP and the Youth Forum.

Throughout this partnership, the strengthening of democratic structures has included drafting and endorsing clear by-laws, terms of reference, organigram, decision making and decision taking mechanisms, open and transparent communication channels among member organizations…

This process of internal capacitation has enabled both youth networks to influence decision-makers, through numerous advocacy meetings and conferences, over youth rights and priorities that are stated in the National Youth Policy document. Such influence has been fostered through up-to-date communication, media campaigns and outreach.

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In 2020, and as per young activists’ recommendations, our work focused on the development of: 1 research paper on the “Youth Friendly Budget” as a model of young citizens’ participation in public prioritization and spending; 1 research paper on “Youth Employability in Lebanon” in light of the Economic& Financial Collapse and the pandemic;

1 advocacy video on the “Youth Friendly Budget”; 1 advocacy video on “Corruption” and its impact on youth as a key vulnerable group, noting that both videos serve as interactive tools to initiate discussion among youth and help them exchange views constructively.

Besides the above, 6 discussion sessions were held online via Zoom on the 2 research papers (3 on the youth-friendly budget, and 3 on youth employability in Lebanon) with the participation of 144 youth (80 females + 64 males)

All material, research papers and videos, can be found on our website (resources) and social media platforms.

In 2021, a digital media campaign was conceptualized on young people’s priorities from the National Youth Policy document. Titled in Arabic for “ليبقى شباب”, the campaign was launched on August 12, on the occasion of the International Youth Day. It consisted of 52 videos, visuals, and cover photos, and was run on the Youth Forum social media platforms @youthforumlb during August- November 2021 on Facebook, Instagram, and through 255 WhatsApp groups. The content of the campaign tackled various topics including education and how remote learning is affected by the weak internet and electricity, cost of transportation for youth, unemployment, unaffordable housing, youth’s mental health, voting age and youth meaningful participation in the public life.

 

In 2022, 2 rap songs were produced and promoted on social media prior to the Parliamentary elections in May 2022. Both songs aim to raise citizens’ awareness, including youth, on the importance of responsible ballot casting: selecting candidates who represent citizens and their demands, and who commit to reforming the political system and the economy…. Both videos can be found under the media section.