Scouts in Lebanon build a network of young leaders for peace and development

Scouts in Lebanon are developing new skills in peacebuilding, youth leadership, and good governance, as part of an initiative to strengthen Scouting and empower young people to make a positive impact in their communities. Launched in July 2026 by the Lebanese Scouts Federation, the Youth Leaders Network for Peace, Development, and Good Governance is a project funded through Messengers of Peace that aims to equip Scout leaders with the knowledge and skills to train and inspire others across the country. Bringing together participants from the Federation's 41 Scout Associations, the project is building a national network of specialised trainers who will share their expertise with hundreds of other Scout leaders and young people. By the end of 2026, the initiative aims to directly reach more than 1,300 people and indirectly benefit another 6,000 through activities in local communities.

The project began with a six-day training camp attended by 70 Scout leaders, who explored three key areas: peace and development, capacity-building, and good governance. Participants worked alongside experienced trainers and advisers to develop practical skills they could apply within their Scout associations and communities. Those specialising in peace and development learned how to design, write, and promote projects, including how to identify potential funding opportunities to support community initiatives. The capacity-building group focused on life skills, safeguarding, communication, public speaking and developing the skills and potential of other young people. Meanwhile, participants in the good governance group explored how Scout Associations can strengthen their management, improve training quality, and assess their organisational performance using World Scouting's Global Support Assessment Tool (GSAT). Throughout the camp, participants put their learning into practice by developing projects and strategies to address real needs within their associations. Groups developed project proposals for submission to international organisations, created plans to strengthen youth development and safeguarding across the the Lebanese Scouts Federation, and developed assessment criteria and tested them through practical simulations. 

Beyond developing technical skills, the training provided an opportunity for Scout leaders to exchange experiences, build confidence, and learn from one another. For Safa Maaliki, who participated in the capacity-building track, the experience offered valuable skills she hopes to put into practice in her community.

Ahmad Terhini, a participant in the governance track, also highlighted the value of sharing experiences and learning new approaches that he can apply within his Scout Association.

For Reda Boulad, co-lead of the governance team, the experience reinforced the importance of collaboration.

The training camp is just the beginning. Through the next phases of the project, participants will put their new skills into practice and share what they have learned with other Scouts. Graduates are expected to train around 150 leaders from their respective associations, helping them develop projects, strengthen organisational practices, and build their capacity to support young people. The project also includes training opportunities for 400 Rovers, focusing on designing and promoting community development projects, alongside practical sessions on life skills. By developing a national network of specialised trainers, the Lebanese Scouts Federation aims to ensure that the knowledge and experience gained through the project continue to benefit Scouts long after the initial training.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with World Scouting, under the Messengers of Peace Fund.