At Dekwaneh Public Technical School, students did more than learn about construction, teamwork, and communication. They became active contributors to the improvement of their own school.
The recently concluded PIONEER+ project, implemented by Swisscontact in partnership with Caritas Lebanon under the SILA programme, demonstrated how young people can play a meaningful role in shaping the spaces where they learn. Through a combination of technical training, participatory rehabilitation activities, and peacebuilding approaches, students gained practical experience while helping improve their school's infrastructure.
The project's journey and achievements are captured in a newly released video that was screened during the graduation ceremony, bringing together students, teachers, project partners, and representatives from Caritas Lebanon and Swisscontact to celebrate the project's completion.
From the beginning, students were placed at the centre of the project. Before participating in rehabilitation works, they received training in workplace safety, first aid, and work-site readiness. Equipped with these essential skills, they then took part in hands-on rehabilitation activities alongside trainers and teachers.
This practical experience allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in real situations while developing technical competencies, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. More importantly, they could see firsthand how their work contributed to improving the environment they use every day.
A unique aspect of PIONEER+ was its commitment to meaningful student participation.
Through a participatory PhotoVoice activity, students documented areas of the school they believed needed improvement. By taking photographs and discussing their observations, they were encouraged to reflect on their surroundings and communicate their priorities. Their feedback became an important part of the planning process, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts responded to the actual needs and concerns of the students themselves.
For many participants, this was their first opportunity to contribute directly to decisions affecting their learning environment.
While infrastructure improvements were a visible outcome of the project, students also experienced significant personal growth.
Throughout the activities, participants strengthened their communication and collaboration skills. They learned how to express their opinions constructively, work with peers from different backgrounds, and engage in productive discussions.
Several students highlighted how the project helped them develop stronger relationships with one another. Working together towards a common goal not only improved the school environment but also fostered mutual understanding, respect, and teamwork.
These outcomes reflect the project's broader peacebuilding objectives, demonstrating how shared experiences and active participation can strengthen social cohesion among young people.
As the PIONEER+ project comes to an end, its impact extends beyond the physical improvements completed at Dekwaneh Public Technical School.
The project showed that rehabilitation is not only about repairing buildings or upgrading facilities. It is also about empowering young people to participate, contribute, and become agents of positive change within their communities.
By combining practical skills development, participatory school rehabilitation, and peacebuilding, PIONEER+ created opportunities for students to learn, grow, and leave a lasting mark on a place that matters deeply to them.
The graduation ceremony and screening of the project video offered a fitting conclusion to this journey, celebrating not only what was accomplished, but also the young people whose ideas, effort, and commitment made it possible.