Under the umbrella of the newly formed global partnerships with UNHCR and the AFC Dream Asia Foundation, the FCSA educated young adults from both the host and refugee population in Lebanon. The focus of the Young Coach Education Programme was on social cohesion through football and the conveyance of life skills that help children form peaceful relationships with their peers and community members.
Region:
Lebanon
Duration:
September, 2017 – April, 2018
Status:
Completed
Our gallery gives you the opportunity to browse through a selection of pictures of our work in Lebanon. Enjoy the best moments with our Young Coaches, instructors and children in action.
YOUNG COACH EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Despite its own civil war lasting from 1975 to 1990, Lebanon has a long history of helping refugees displaced by wars and conflicts: Palestinians, Iraqis, Assyrians, Sudanese and, most recently, Syrians. But the welcome mat has started to wear thin. Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Lebanon has taken in over one million people fleeing the conflict, quickly turning it into the country with the highest number of refugees per capita – that is to say: one in four.
The massive influx of people settling amongst the poorest communities puts a serious strain on Lebanon’s resources. The demand for water, energy, housing, education and health has gone beyond the country’s capacity, resulting in increased political and social tensions, especially between host communities and refugees. Since 2015, a new residency rule suspended new registrations of refugees, putting an additional burden onto them. It leaves many without a legal status, restricts their free movement and legal access to work, education and healthcare.
For children of both, the Lebanese and refugee population, these tensions are particularly harmful: They grow up in a changing world of increased insecurity and violence in their communities and raising hostile feelings towards other populations, which hinders their peaceful coexistence. Moreover, refugee children are likely to drop out of school, be forced into child labour and become more isolated. This current conflictual situation creates an urgent need for leisure programmes that not only promote social cohesion, but also give the children in affected communities a hopeful tomorrow.
Under the umbrella of the global partnerships with UNHCR and the AFC Dream Asia Foundation, and in cooperation with the local partners, Lebanese Football Association and UNHCR Lebanon, the FCSA aims to foster such programmes. Through the FCSA Young Coach Education Programme, young adults – from both the host and refugee population – were given the tools to deliver grassroots football and educational activities to 6-12-year olds. They help the children develop and play in a safe and peaceful environment.
Lebanon
Our Young Coaches are community leaders and role models in less privileged societies. They commit themselves to support the children of the communities by conveying important social topics through football. 31 Young Coaches participated in the education in Lebanon, each of them represents a unique personal story.