Strengthening the role of the formal and non-formal education in the prevention of violence against children in Lebanon (Safe to Learn)

The project’s outcome is increased evidence base and capacity of schools and learning centres to reduce violence against children in areas with high concentration of refugees. It will be implemented with at least 3 schools and up to 9 learning centres, as well as online settings. The project will generate evidence through action research on effectiveness of approaches to addressing VAC, including school/centre-based (integrated NFE, protection and addressing VAC activities) and community-based approaches. Prevention and response will be strengthened through supporting schools/learning centres to improve their existing capacities through appreciative inquiry, training and accompaniment, integrated activities bringing together Syrian refugee and Lebanese children, and development of child safeguarding policies to inform the reporting of cases of VAC in schools. Social norms and behaviours will be shifted through strong parental engagement, peace education and community initiatives involving authorities, learning centres and members of the Lebanese and refugee communities. The project will be implemented with the Centre for Lebanese Studies, which will engage with schools and partners’ through appreciative inquiry and training; Basmeh & Zeitooneh centres in Bar Elias (Bekaa), Nabaa and Chatilla (Beirut outskirts) and Tripoli (North); Sawa for Development and Aid 4 centres in Bar Elias and Damma and its centres in Ghazze and Al Marj (Bekaa). Action research will be conducted in the Bekaa to compare different approaches in the same area.