Action research –
What's cooking

ABOUT – LEBANON

The Lebanese research panel is composed of 11 young people with different ages, backgrounds and interests, who make for an exciting mix of ideas and perspectives within the research.

Research topics include the financial crisis and COVID pandemic in Lebanon on young people's lives and opportunities, the condition of Syrians in Lebanon during the pandemic, the impact of the pandemic and lockdown measures on young people's education and on young people's mental health, and on youth social engagement during the pandemic. Lebanese researchers' contributions included photos, videos, drawings and written accounts. In panel discussions, the researchers and panel members have discussed personal interests, experiences of the pandemic, research methods and research interests.

It should be noted that the situation in Lebanon is particularly fragile. Not only is the country battling the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is also grappling with an unprecedented financial crisis and inflation, which was exacerbated by the pandemic restrictions. Additionally, the explosion that destroyed a significant area around Beirut's sea front on 4th August and caused over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries, had a significant psychological and emotional impact on the young people on the panel. The explosion has also exposed the deep-rooted corruption and injustice of the Lebanese political system, reigniting a youth-led protest movement that started last year.