Tariq el-Jdeide and its neighbourhood (the most densely populated area of Beirut) is a predominantly Sunni district with a Shia minority and is bordering Sabra and Shatila Palestinian camp. In an attempt to support the communities in and around Tariq el-Jdeide to transform conflicts and to collaborate in the spirit of non-violence, forumZFD with partner organization Fighters for Peace (FFP) have initiated FABT as part of the Community Mobilizing Programme. The objective of this project is to build bridges between these communities to create structures and systems that enable them to overcome long-held frustrations, apathy, and fear of ‘the other’. It also encourages them to collectively defuse tensions, express personal experiences, and build synergies to strengthen resilience to future pressures of violence
The project is divided into three components. Firstly, forumZFD identifies individuals and groups willing and capable to become mobilizers for positive change within their community. They are then introduced to one another to build stronger networks in order to address and transform their conflicts and to generate more effective future collaboration. Secondly, forumZFD trains public and private school teachers on how to facilitate discussions on personal experiences and memories of the Lebanese Civil War from a multinarrative point of view. This equips the teachers with a deeper understanding of what inclusive approaches to history and non-violent practices are - empowering them to be able to reflect on diversity and differences and on their responsibility to challenge narratives and realities of. Finally, through research and community events such as playback theatre, FFP identifies (ex-)fighters in the area and invites them to reflect on their violent pasts through various activities. This process increases the potential that these (ex-)fighters would renounce future outbreaks of violence and work towards peaceful solutions.
To find out more about this project please find the forumZFD One Pager here!