Engaging with Lebanese youth in the restoration of a major historical site while equipping them with technical and professional skills. Using cultural heritage as a foundation for dialogue and collaboration, young people from diverse backgrounds will work together to promote social cohesion in their communities.
The Challenge
Lebanon has faced several wars and one of the most severe economic crises, with youth unemployment and inter-communal tensions persisting. The region’s rich cultural heritage, including the Citadel of Tripoli, is under threat due to neglect, environmental factors and conflict. By engaging youth in the restoration of this landmark, the project not only preserves an important historical site but also provides meaningful employment pathways and fosters social cohesion between youth from different communities.
“Any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind.”
Kofi Annan
About The Rooting for the Future Project
The initiative focuses on the restoration and protection of the historic Citadel in Tripoli in Northern Lebanon. It integrates hands-on training in conservation and restoration techniques with life and professional skills development, fostering opportunities for young people in the region. Additionally, the project facilitates social cohesion initiatives, bringing together youth from diverse communities through dialogue and collaborative projects centred on cultural heritage.
Empowering Youth Through Heritage Conservation
At the heart of this initiative, young people play a vital role. Through training, youth from diverse backgrounds in Tripoli will gain specific skills in conservation techniques and sustainable practices related to heritage protection.
Beyond the restoration work, the project fosters social cohesion by bringing together youth from different communities to engage in dialogue and collaborate on concrete initiatives. With the support of seed grants, young people will lead projects that celebrate shared heritage, promote togetherness and strengthen local connections.
“We are committed to supporting concrete and sustainable initiatives to protect the richness and diversity of the world’s cultural heritage.”
ALIPH
Key numbers
The Rooting for the Future Project
20
Youth will receive technical training in heritage conservation, alongside gaining life and professional skills.
60 young people from diverse backgrounds around Tripoli will engage in a series of community dialogues around cultural heritage and social cohesion.
60
4
Four joint youth-led projects will receive seed grants to develop initiatives promoting cultural heritage as a tool for social cohesion.
A final vernissage event will showcase the completed conservation work and youth-led initiatives, fostering local pride and recognition of youth in driving social change.
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Funder
The Rooting for the Future Project
Project supported by ALIPH with the financial participation of the Principality of Monaco
ALIPH – an acronym which also designates the first letter of the Arabic alphabet – has been created to act in favour of cultural heritage in conflict areas via an aid programme which enables it to be flexible and to react quickly.
Partners
The Rooting for the Future Project
Fight for Humanity is a non-partisan, impartial and independent NGO that works for the fulfilment of the human rights of individuals affected by armed conflict and violence. The organization advocates the respect for human rights in countries affected by armed violence and conflict through campaigns, dialogue and training. By reinforcing the respect for human rights Fight for Humanity also aims to contribute to peace making and peacebuilding efforts.
The Permanent Peace Movement (PPM) was founded in 1986 (Register Nr; 86/A.D. 24/5/1986), at the height of the Lebanese civil war, by a group of university students. Unified by their aversion to violence and common vision of a brighter, more peaceful future, they set the cornerstone for what has grown into an experienced organization that promotes peace throughout the MENA region.
Since its creation in 1988, the Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement (IECD), an international solidarity organisation, has been supporting human, economic and social development in the countries where it operates. Its mission is recognised as being in the public interest. Together with its local partners, it implements projects in the fields of education, entrepreneurship and access to employment through training.
The Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) is a Lebanese government directorate, technical unit of the Ministry of Culture and is responsible for the protection, promotion and excavation activities in all sites of national heritage in Lebanon.
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