Lebanese Youth for different Society Organization (LYDS)
and
The American Islamic Congress (AIC)
Cordially invite you to
LYDS first National Event
A Panel Discussion entitled
"Dialogue between Religions: The Solution or the Risk?"
Featuring
Social and Media researchers
Arab and Lebanese Journalists
Lawyers and Civic Activists
Moderated by Miss Rowaida Mroue, LYDS's Program Coordinator and Media officer
Date: Monday, 27 July, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: UNESCO Palace, Beirut
Lebanese Youth for Different Society, LYDS Org
www.lydsorg.blogspot.com
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel:00961 71 21 99 41
E-mail:lydsorg@gmail.com
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
How LYDS undersatnd Challenges Facing Youth in Lebanon
Youth from early childhood to early adulthood (5-24 years) constitutes close to 40 % of the population of Lebanon . The major problems youth are confronted with are: lack of adequate education and employment, exposure to risky behaviors, and lack of participation in decision-making. Contributing factors to these problems are: lack of provision of opportunities for life skills development for out-of-school youth and absence of a plan that identifies the skill and specialization needs of the labor market in the middle or long term.
Youth and Education
There is great disparity between the quality of public and private education in Lebanon since the government does not provide adequate resources to public schools. With a primary school enrollment rate of over 95%, there is no problem in access to education. Rather, the problem youth are facing is one of quality. Numbers for the academic year 1998-1999 (Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports) show that the percentage of students repeating their school year was highest in the public sector with 59.9% as compared to 28.1% in the private sector. The percentages of failure were highest in the public sector with 27.8% for the elementary level and 25.7% for the middle school level, as compared to only 4.7 % for the elementary level and 7.2% for the middle school level in the private sector.
Youth and Employment
Youth in Lebanon constituted 31% of the population of working age and 21% of the labor force in 1996 (Ministry of Social Affairs and UNFPA). The unemployment rate for youth is higher than the overall national rate, at 24.1% versus 11.5% respectively. There is a gender bias in unemployment since 34% of young women are unemployed versus 20.5% of young men.
An interesting fact is that, for the 20-25 age bracket, unemployment is higher for those who are more educated: 27% for those with university degrees and 14.8% for those with an elementary school degree. Yet, almost one third of employers reported a shortage in the number of employees needed, while 21% of them complained about the unavailability of qualified and skilled labourers. It is clear that unemployed youth are unaware of potential job opportunities and thus, their knowledge and skills do not correspond to the needs of the Lebanese job market.
Youth and Public Participation
Youth participation in political life remains restricted, which is evident in the parliamentary rejection in 2000 of a law reducing the voting age from 21 to 18 years old. Schools and universities do not fulfill their role as primary vehicles of youth public participation; education systems have also generally failed in imparting the values necessary for development of skills required for building and participating in modern democratic societies and ensuring good governance. Life skills education in schools (such as inter-generational relations, communication skills, team work, and participation in community life), is also limited.
Youth and Education
There is great disparity between the quality of public and private education in Lebanon since the government does not provide adequate resources to public schools. With a primary school enrollment rate of over 95%, there is no problem in access to education. Rather, the problem youth are facing is one of quality. Numbers for the academic year 1998-1999 (Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports) show that the percentage of students repeating their school year was highest in the public sector with 59.9% as compared to 28.1% in the private sector. The percentages of failure were highest in the public sector with 27.8% for the elementary level and 25.7% for the middle school level, as compared to only 4.7 % for the elementary level and 7.2% for the middle school level in the private sector.
Youth and Employment
Youth in Lebanon constituted 31% of the population of working age and 21% of the labor force in 1996 (Ministry of Social Affairs and UNFPA). The unemployment rate for youth is higher than the overall national rate, at 24.1% versus 11.5% respectively. There is a gender bias in unemployment since 34% of young women are unemployed versus 20.5% of young men.
An interesting fact is that, for the 20-25 age bracket, unemployment is higher for those who are more educated: 27% for those with university degrees and 14.8% for those with an elementary school degree. Yet, almost one third of employers reported a shortage in the number of employees needed, while 21% of them complained about the unavailability of qualified and skilled labourers. It is clear that unemployed youth are unaware of potential job opportunities and thus, their knowledge and skills do not correspond to the needs of the Lebanese job market.
Youth and Public Participation
Youth participation in political life remains restricted, which is evident in the parliamentary rejection in 2000 of a law reducing the voting age from 21 to 18 years old. Schools and universities do not fulfill their role as primary vehicles of youth public participation; education systems have also generally failed in imparting the values necessary for development of skills required for building and participating in modern democratic societies and ensuring good governance. Life skills education in schools (such as inter-generational relations, communication skills, team work, and participation in community life), is also limited.
Understanding Lebanese Youths: Q & A method
Q :The emigration of Lebanese youth: National hemorrhage or national treasure?
A: Instead of concentrating on and complaining about the despair of the Lebanese youth and the curse of emigration, one should support the organizing efforts which are ongoing focusing on addressing the socio-political and economic crisis in Lebanon, and encourage more the initiatives within the Lebanese Diaspora. After all, the emigrants constitute, indisputably, a main pillar in the reconstruction of Lebanon
Saturday, July 4, 2009
LYDS Organization created by Lebanese Youths for Lebanese Youths
Mission
LYDS primary objective is to unite Lebanese Youths nationwide by acting as the central communication link and providing an opportunity for action to serve the Lebanese community, both domestically and abroad. Such endeavors will include coordinating development projects to improve the communication among youths in all areas of Lebanon affected by wars and conflicts. Furthermore, as an organization with the interests of Lebanese Youth at heart, LYDS hopes to bring to light the issues faced by Migrant Youths, helping to bridge the generation gap by advocating mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance by all members of the Lebanese community. Our motivation lies in the belief that only through unity will the Lebanese community, cooperation and culture thrive in Lebanon.
Objectives
To provide opportunities for Lebanese youths to interact, learn, and develop their skills necessary to contribute to the general well being of youth at national level.
To educate and encourage Lebanese youths to pursue and practice their heritage, language and culture.
To empower Lebanese youths by promoting peer participation in community organizations and civic structures.
To engage Lebanese youths in international humanitarian and human rights endeavors.
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