CHASE - Capable, Hopeful, Accepted, Safe and Engaged Youth in Lebanon

The Challenge

Lebanon has entered its second year of a multidimensional crisis caused by political uncertainty and economic collapse, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion. Poverty levels are higher among traditionally marginalised groups, including vulnerable youth. A study conducted by DRC which interviewed Lebanese youth conveyed a general feeling of hopelessness. They lack the power of opportunity, whether it be continued education or decent employment, while safety is a growing concern in their communities, in particular for young women and religious and ethnic minorities. Each of these challenges work to reinforce one another, disempowering youth and making it difficult for them to imagine a brighter future.

The Response

To tackle the multifaceted problems facing vulnerable youth in Lebanon, DRC and partners will design a holistic approach to empowerment, reaching 2,500 youth and their families;

IF we support the vulnerable youths’ families over time to alleviate pressure on basic needs and access to social and protection services;

AND, in parallel, IF we provide a safe space for youth to access technical skills training and mentorship to build capabilities;

AND IF youth have the opportunity to engage in social activities with others from different backgrounds to build community cohesion;

THEN youth, and by extension their families, will feel safe and protected, have more confidence in their capacities, be more self-reliant, be more engaged in their communities, and be more hopeful for the future.

The Approach

The effort will build on the Graduation Approach, which began with the RYSE Project in Jordan. The Graduation Approach aims to not only address the immediate needs of a household, but build their capacity and confidence to work themselves out of the cycle of poverty. It is structured around four pillars: Social Protection, Livelihoods Promotion, Financial Inclusion, and Social Empowerment.​​​​