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The youth-led school renovation in Lebanon taking place at the Official Technical School of Ajaltoun is bringing students from different backgrounds together to transform their learning environment and themselves.
Wearing protective suits and holding paintbrushes in hand, 43 students are taking part in the PIONEER initiative, a pilot project that turns post-crisis challenges into opportunities for learning, empowerment, and peace.
This effort follows the September-November 2024 conflict, when the school was used as a shelter for displaced families. As a result, the building was left in urgent need of repair.
Now, as part of the SILA project, the PIONEER initiative is helping students restore their school while developing practical skills and building new relationships. The project is implemented with our local partners Caritas Lebanon and follows a Triple Nexus approach that combines humanitarian support, development, and peace-building.
In January, Caritas and Swisscontact teams assessed the damage and prioritized renovations in two key areas: the Ground Floor and the Cafeteria. Students then joined safety and first aid training starting in early February.
Caritas Lebanon led sessions on:
Students received protective gear and participated in a practical painting workshop delivered by CMC (Construction Material Company) and Caparol. Colortek (Paint Manufacturer) supported the project by donating materials and tools.
With the renovation phase that started in March, students formed specialized teams to focus on painting, plumbing, and electrical repairs. They are supported by teachers and a school handyman who guide their work and ensure quality and safety.
One of the most meaningful parts of this youth-led school renovation in Lebanon has been the peacebuilding component.
On March 24, peace-building and non-violent communication expert Mazen Abou Hamdan, from GroundUP Consulting, led a full-day workshop with students from various religious and national backgrounds. Through interactive exercises and music, students explored:
The session featured music and moments of laughter, with students playing the oud and cello together.
“I wanted the atmosphere to be calm and friendly, more about learning through connection. We even played the oud together. I believe that helped break the barriers and made people feel more at ease. It wasn’t a formal or tense setting.”
Students responded with openness and reflection.
By the end of the day, the students had also brainstormed their own ideas for future peace-building activities, showing that this wasn’t just a one-time event, but the beginning of long-term change.
“We were happy today to give these young people skills,” Mazen reflected.
“I think they left with ideas and tools that will stay with them for a long time. That makes me happy because it means they’ll have a role to play in their communities, through this project and beyond.”
This youth-led school renovation in Lebanon shows what’s possible when young people are trusted with responsibility and supported by their communities.
It:
As a pilot initiative, PIONEER offers a model that can be scaled to other schools and communities recovering from crisis. It brings together learning, labor, and peace, while putting young people at the center of it all.
This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.