Supported by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sports, Tourathi was implemented from July 2017 to February 2019, by Search for Common Ground in partnership with Arcenciel, Biladi, and NAHNOO, in six geographical areas in Lebanon: Zahle, Sarafand, Tripoli, Salima, Beit Chabab, and Bekfaya.
Tourathi (“My Heritage”) sought to reach across dividing lines and provide spaces for Lebanese youth from varied backgrounds to come together to learn more about, reflect upon, and promote the rich cultural heritage and history of their country, ultimately contributing to bridging geographic and sectarian divisions through the promotion of a shared Lebanese cultural heritage.
The project empowered youth by strengthening their knowledge about cultural heritage (+40%) and their skills in storytelling (+38%). It contributed to increasing their understanding of cultural heritage as an income generator, identity provider, or factor in the development of a feeling of belonging, and fostered a sense of engagement: 65% of youth surveyed believe they have a role to play in maintaining and protecting cultural heritage. Finally, through increased local cultural dynamism among diverse youth, the project succeeded in building bridges and strengthening the relationships among the youth participants internally and inter-regionally, and across socio-economic, religious, and geographical backgrounds.
