Implemented by Swisscontact in partnership with Caritas Lebanon under the SILA project, PIONEER aimed to equip students with practical skills and a renewed sense of ownership over their school. In doing so, it became a catalyst for confidence, teamwork, and connection.
Armed with paint rollers, toolkits, and determination, more than forty students brought their damaged school back to life. Through hands-on workshops in painting, plumbing, and electricity, along with sessions on safety, first aid, and peacebuilding, they learned to work together, take initiative, and trust their ability to make a difference.
“We didn’t just learn how to fix walls, we learned how to work together,” says Hamze Youssef. “At first, I didn’t know how to use a roller or mix paint. Now, I can, and I learned something even more important: teamwork and respect.”
For Hamze and his peers, the renovation was an experience that turned classmates into collaborators and sparked a new sense of belonging.
For Amina El Zouri, the project opened unexpected doors.
“At first, I was nervous to pick up tools,” she recalls. “But once I started painting, I realized I could do it. Now I’m proud that I helped renovate my school. It’s about believing in yourself.”
Amina’s determination challenged stereotypes in a field still seen as male-dominated. Her journey inspired classmates and teachers alike, showing that leadership and creativity transcend gender.
Around her, the school became a shared workshop, teachers, students, and community members all contributing to a renewed sense of care for their environment.
Behind the students’ achievements stood a network of support, mentors, instructors, and school staff who believed in their potential. Among them was Mohamad Tamer, the 49-year-old caretaker, whose experience as a professional painter helped guide the students through practical challenges.
“Even though I already had experience, this project helped me learn new techniques,” Mohamad says. “But what I enjoyed most was working with the students and seeing them grow.”
His calm presence and steady guidance reflected the spirit of collaboration that defined the project.
As Leah Andraos, Project Officer at Caritas Lebanon, notes:
“Mohamad’s respectful and supportive approach made collaboration easy and inspired everyone around him.”
What began as a renovation became a shared journey of empowerment, a community rebuilding itself through learning, creativity, and mutual respect.
The newly painted walls now hold stories of courage and learning. Through PIONEER, Swisscontact and Caritas Lebanon helped restore confidence, proving that real change happens when young people are trusted to take the lead, and when their community stands beside them.
This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.