A unique methodology

In our work on the humanitarian front-line, we are combining conflict transformation with practical, uniting different communities around a common cause: the future of the youth. This approach of "diapraxis", or "de-facto solidarity", goes beyond the traditional forms of dialogue and diplomacy. It is based on three insights:

  1. Peacebuilding addressing civil unrest has to start at local level. The social fabric of society cannot be rebuilt by any government or military power, only by those concerned on the ground. We are focusing on those areas where tensions or open violence has jeopardised the peaceful coexistence of different communities and groups.
  2. Peacebuilding is a moral challenge. The corruption of society through war and violence can only be tackled by its own moral forces. They have to strike the balance between justice and peace, between truth and mercy. We are including those who enjoy moral authority in their community: religious leaders and other representatives of civil society.
  3. Peacebuilding relies on mutual trust. Trust, in return, grows with deeds more than with words. We are uniting moral authorities around a tangible cause: the future of the youth in need. They are invited to form a local Steering Committee for the establishment of a Peace Centre: a house serving as open space for young people of different communities.

In our Peace Centres, experienced teachers, volunteers and social workers offer individual and social activities, skill training, courses and material support. Peace is the overarching objective governing our work, supported by three pillars of daily activities: psychosocial support, educational support and emergency aid.

The Steering Committee of our Peace Centre is composed by relevant moral authorities, reflecting the various structures of Syria’s civil society. Amongst them, religious leaders of all local communities are playing a major role. The Steering Committee decides with us by consensus on the broad orientations of our work.

We underline our impartiality in the delivery of services to those in need. Our aid is impartial and not based on gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation or political conviction; it is based on need alone. Neutrality does not imply ignorance or indifference. We will stay neutral in the attempt to facilitate dialogue, but we will not shy away from denouncing violations of fundamental human rights.


Our work on the ground

Our first Peace Centre opened in the beginning of July 2013 in the Akkar Governorate of Lebanon, 12 km from the northern border with Syria. We have also supported life-saving aid and education in rebel-controlled areas inside Syria, but the presence of international volunteers at our main Peace Centre is central to our approach. Their presence allows us to open windows of communication between persons of different belongings or convictions that would hardly meet otherwise.

Please read more on the following pages about our Peace Centre and about our programme lines for practical help. Our work is mainly relying on small individual donations. Please click here to make a donation!
Cover photo: Peace Iftar with Muslim and Christian representatives and our youth leaders, Akkar (Lebanon)
Meeting with a Sunni sheikh in the suburbs of Tripoli (Lebanon)
Meeting with the Greek-Orthodox Metropolitan of Akkar (Lebanon) and Wadi Nasara (Syria)
Meeting with the Alawite community in Akkar (Lebanon)
Monthly training with all our teachers at our Peace Centre in Bkarzla (Lebanon)
Meeting with Syrian refugees in an informal camp in Akkar, close to the Syrian border.

> The Peace Centre