For the past couple of years, Lebanon has witnessed a number of turning events that has altered the concept of activism and how to make a difference in the society. This was translated into a main platform nationally: Non-governmental organizations. NGOs have become a vital and prominent element in the Lebanese society.

Accordingly, EDGE for Lebanon, in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Lebanon, has launched the “2021 Training Lab” that had consisted, as a first step, of the main pillar “NGO Management”. This lab conducted a series of trainings for driven and motivated youth members on how to create an NGO, how to budget and manage an NGO.

Interaction during the sessions given was very engaging as it was seen that all those who took part in the trainings either had their own NGOs/ initiatives and were trying to grow them or wanted to open an NGO.

The sessions were:

Session 1: Structure and Governance in Humanitarian and Development Interventions by Mr. Joseph Feghaly

Session 2: Proposal writing and Fundraising Strategies by Mr. Ramzi Hage

Session 3: Influencing Policy Makers through Advocacy” by Mr. Marwan Abdallah

Session 4: Budget & HR by Mr. Joseph Feghaly

Session 5: Monitoring and Evaluation by Mr. Joseph Feghaly

Feedback and influence of the trainings was very positive as after the trainings sessions all participants were much more familiar with how to manage NGOs and properly run their initiatives/NGOs.

Furthermore, 50% of the participants who partook at least 3 of the 5 training sessions received the opportunity to intern at an NGO in Lebanon.

After concluding phase 2, certificates were distributed to the participants in a closing event.