A Closer Look at Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen
Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen are two neighborhoods in Tripoli that have long been marked by sectarian clashes and entrenched hostility. These areas have been the scene of repeated conflicts, reflecting deep social divisions. The need for initiatives that promote reconciliation and community building between these two groups is critical for lasting peace.
Tensions between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh communities remained high. The LAF, tasked with maintaining security in Tripoli, was perceived as inadequate and biased by both communities. This perception, fueled by deep-seated mistrust and allegations of partiality, has exacerbated conflicts and led to ongoing disputes, significantly straining relations between the LAF and the two communities.
Planting Unity: MARCH’s Agricultural Project
In response to this ongoing tension, MARCH, in collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), launched an agricultural project that ran from November 7th to December 13th. The project was held at the Araman Barrack, a major military facility in the North of Lebanon. The initiative brought together 20 youth from Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh, who had previously been involved in sectarian clashes, alongside 20 army members from the LAF. Over the course of a month and a half, the youth worked side-by-side daily, focusing on agricultural activities while sharing experiences and developing mutual respect.
Cultivating Trust through Expressional Group Sessions and Teambuilding Activities
To build trust and humanize the LAF, the project included group expressional sessions and teambuilding activities. The expressional group sessions encouraged both the LAF and the youth to share their shared stories and experiences. Through these sessions, they realized that they share mutual challenges and suffering, and that they both have lost loved ones and lost their homes during the clashes, which allowed them to create a personal bond.
Moreover, the teambuilding activities included sports sessions (basketball, football and martial arts), usually led by LAF army members or an external trainer to foster team spirit and cooperation. This allowed the youth and the LAF to cultivate a sense of shared purpose and have fun together, something that was not even expected to happen after the clashes. These sessions were crucial in breaking down barriers and building trust between the youth and the army members.
Overcoming Divisions Through Greenhouse Work
Throughout the project, the youth of MARCH also engaged in a variety of sessions aimed at enhancing and building agricultural knowledge and skills. Fifteen agricultural sessions were held, focusing on greenhouse installation, sustainable farming, and crop management.
The core achievement of the project was the successful installation of five greenhouses and the planting of over 4,000 vegetable seedlings. Despite challenging weather conditions, the youth and the army members worked together to complete the task, learning practical agricultural skills while developing camaraderie. The project not only provided hands-on training but also demonstrated how collaboration can overcome deep-seated divisions.
From Agriculture to Understanding: How Shared Projects Build Lasting Connections
This initiative exemplified how community-based projects, supported by institutional partners like the LAF, can play a pivotal role in bridging divides. By working together in agriculture, youth from both communities gained a deeper understanding of one another, fostering connections that could lead to long-term peace and cooperation. The success of this project highlights the importance of sustained engagement and shared purpose in healing fractured communities.
