In October 2019, amidst the Lebanese protests, a remarkable display of youthful determination unfolded in Tripoli, the country’s second-largest city.
A group of Lebanese and Syrian boys and girls took to the streets, advocating for peace through art. They broke into a surprise flash mob dance, featuring the traditional folk dance of Dabkhe, much to the amazement of onlookers; protestors, and the media alike.
Carrying slogans like ‘Bullying is a weakness, not strength and ‘Act, don’t react,’ Lebanese and Syrian boys and girls united to voice their opposition against bullying, a pervasive issue within Lebanese society.
One passer-by noted, “This youthful spirit gives us hope that the community in Tripoli is still doing well.” The message of the group gained support as they performed across the city.
“When people hear the word Tripoli or Lebanon, they think, terrorism. I want them to have a positive idea about Tripoli. Tripoli is not as bad of a place as people think. There is goodness in people.” said Boussanya, a Lebanese ‘Peace Ambassador.’
So, who are these Peace Ambassadors?
Meet the Peace Ambassadors of Lebanon
Peace Ambassadors are a 100-strong group that emerged from specialized training called the Youth Anti-Violence & Peace Ambassadors Training (YAVAP) conducted by the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), an affiliate of The Art of Living, empowering youth to champion peace within their schools and communities. Through YAVAP, participants receive support in overcoming past traumas and gain confidence and vitality to actively promote peace.
This training was specially designed by IAHV to help relieve participants of past traumas and infuse them with confidence. After undergoing this training, the youth displayed an unwavering determination even as Lebanon grappled with protests that paralyzed the nation, resulting in blocked roads and closed schools. Despite the challenges, the IAHV Peace Ambassadors adhered to their original plan and took to the streets to perform.
For the Peace Ambassadors, the dance they showcased in the streets of Tripoli conveyed a powerful message of non-violence. Their street performance served as a valuable component of a broader series of peace art initiatives aimed at reshaping societal behaviors and perceptions, ultimately reducing violence.
Previously, a group of female Peace Ambassadors garnered national attention with a thought-provoking theater production highlighting the adverse effects of early marriage. Witnessing the play prompted many to reconsider their views and attitudes towards this issue.
Currently, the group is actively addressing a range of pertinent issues, including violence against girls and women in Tripoli, the detrimental effects of drug use among youth, and cyber blackmailing.
Voices of Transformation – Testimonies from the Peace Ambassadors
The impact of YAVAP is vividly portrayed through the stories of its participants, who have risen from the ashes of war and adversity to become agents of positive change.
Rama, one such Peace Ambassador, articulates a newfound sense of purpose: “I was alive before just because I had to live, but now I live because I have a goal: I want to leave my print on society and spread peace.” These are not merely idealistic aspirations but the rallying cries of youth who have endured the ravages of conflict and emerged with a determination to reshape their world.
Hiba’s journey reflects the profound personal transformation facilitated by the program: “I always wondered why we are here on earth. I always thought it was not just to eat and sleep. After undergoing these trainings, I got to know my mission was to make the world more beautiful. Also, I am going through a very difficult time in my life, but I was able to cope with it.” Through YAVAP, she has discovered resilience and a sense of purpose that transcends her own struggles.
Kheiro’s testimony encapsulates the ripple effect of empowerment: “I have more confidence in myself and I want to achieve more. Until I become myself, the peace that will help others.” His words echo the sentiment of a generation poised to lead by example, drawing strength from their own journeys to inspire others toward a path of peace and reconciliation.
The Reach of Art of Living’s Youth Training
Since its inception in December 2016, The Art of Living’s sister concern, IAHV’s signature training program, YAVAP, has reached out to a staggering 18,000 children, along with 3,300 caregivers, teachers, and frontline workers. Through its efforts, it has created 150 youth Peace Ambassadors, poised to lead their communities towards a brighter tomorrow.
In Jordan alone, YAVAP has empowered 68 youth Peace Ambassadors, each undertaking initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity within their respective spheres. From promoting social cohesion through mixed-team football matches to combating bullying in schools, these ambassadors affect tangible change in their communities.
In refugee camps like Zaatari, YAVAP has provided vital support to vulnerable populations, helping nearly 5,928 children overcome anxiety, PTSD, and sleeping disorders through stress-relief training. Initiatives like Youth Anti-Violence & Peace Ambassadors Training demonstrate the potential of art for positive change even in the most challenging of circumstances. Using the timeless mediums of theater, music, art, and dialogue, the IAHV’s trained Peace Ambassadors steadfastly continue promoting positive change within their communities.
