Lebanon Launches ‘Citizenship Generation’ Program to Unite Nation
In a move aimed at fostering national unity and civic engagement, the First Lady of Lebanon, Némat Aoun, launched the ‘Citizenship Generation’ program at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on Friday. The initiative, which includes the ‘Citizenship School’ initiative as its cornerstone, was attended by a host of dignitaries, diplomats, and representatives from educational institutions and media outlets.
A Vision for the Future
The program is envisioned as a bridge across Lebanon, connecting the north to the south. It seeks to build bridges between citizens and the state, and break down barriers among Lebanese citizens. The program’s core is the ‘Citizenship School’ project, designed to cultivate a generation rooted in solid foundations. The First Lady emphasized the importance of educational institutions, both public and private, in instilling the concept of citizenship. The initiative aims to be a link between the state and the youth through educational institutions, with a focus on updating curricula and improving the overall approach to education.
Key Components and Goals
The ‘Citizenship Generation’ program, spearheaded by the First Lady’s team, seeks to transform schools into hubs for fostering national identity and values. It aims to make classrooms platforms for promoting values and responsibility, and to empower students as ambassadors of change under a shared set of principles. The program aims to create a more unified, just, and strong Lebanon.
The program will unfold over five years in five main phases. The first involves selecting 150 secondary schools from both public and private sectors. The second phase involves training school administrators and teachers through the Educational Center for Research and Development. The third phase will implement reforms within schools, following the Citizenship School Index. The fourth phase will focus on civic engagement through community service projects led by students. The final phase will involve recognition and the issuance of evaluation reports, culminating in an award ceremony for outstanding schools at the National Conference for Citizenship Education.
Collaboration and Partnerships
The success of the program relies on diverse partnerships, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, UNESCO, the Educational Center for Research and Development, the American University of Beirut, local and international organizations, school networks, teachers’ unions, and funding institutions. The program seeks to build identity and belonging, enhance communication between schools and society, prepare students to participate in public affairs, and raise awareness of local, regional, and global issues related to active citizenship. It aims to empower youth to become agents of change through their participation in real-world projects.
Supporting the Initiative
The program also included two discussion sessions, led by Nadine Najem, the First Lady’s communications advisor. The first session, titled ‘Strategic Partners for the Citizenship School,’ included Rima Karami, Minister of Education and Higher Education, and other key figures from UNESCO, the American University of Beirut, and the Arcenciel Association. The second session focused on donors and supporters of the Citizenship School, with participation from leading figures in the business and philanthropic sectors.
The ‘Citizenship Generation’ program represents a hopeful step towards a more unified and engaged Lebanon. By focusing on education and community involvement, the initiative seeks to empower the next generation to build a stronger, more cohesive nation.
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