A unique methodology

In our work on the humanitarian front-line, we are combining conflict transformation with practical aid, uniting different communities around a common cause: a brighter future for 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 the 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 have jeopardised peaceful coexistence .
  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 unite moral authorities around a tangible cause: a brighter future for the youth in need. They are invited to form a local Steering Committee for the establishment of Peace Centres: houses serving as an 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 each Peace Centre is composed of relevant moral authorities, reflecting the various structures of Syria’s civil society. Amongst them, religious leaders of all local communities play the most prominent role. The Steering Committees decide 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 and on the fundamental human right of every person in distress to receive solidarity and aid.

Neutrality does not imply ignorance or indifference. We are not affiliated with any government or party. 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 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.

After 12 years of continuous presence in the village of Bkarzla, our first Peace Centre moved in 2025 to a new house in Qantara, the village next to Bkarzla, where we could rent a beautiful old house and the adjacent former village school for a much smaller price. This also opened the opportunity to establish a second Peace Centre inside Syria in the village of Tell Nabi Mendo, the ancient city of Kadesh, next to Qusayr, from where most of the refugees we had served in Lebanon were originating. 

Please read more on the following pages about our Peace Centres and about our programme lines for practical help. Our work is mainly relying on small individual donations. Please click here to support those we serve!
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