Engaging Youth in research about their cities: Field work in Bar Elias and El Mina
By Ramona Abdallah & Sara Maassarani
During April and May 2024 we initiated our field research activities in Lebanon, conducting 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) in El Mina and Bar Elias. In each city 2 of these FGDs were undertaken with 18-24 year olds and 1 with 14-16 year olds. Outreach was possible through our local networks and partners, engaging youth of diverse identities including nationality, religion, ability and gender. Here we share some insight on 2 of these FGDs.
In the initial FGD with 18-24 year olds in El Mina, we heard distinct views about the possibility of effecting change. One participant said “I can’t do much. I’m not a formal or public entity capable of making meaningful, large-scale changes.” Other participants felt that small actions matter. “I feel I can make a difference. When I share job opportunities in the online groups, I see people engaging and applying, and that gives me a sense of impact.” Another young participant who is active working with vulnerable street children added that for him on a personal and moral level what matters is the small scale impact: “When I see change in the people I work with, it feels like all my efforts are paying off. We’re doing something small, and it will take time, but at least we’re making an effort.”
More generally, participants shared their their frustrations about deep rooted societal perception of youth which limits their potential as active citizens. One participant stated:
“As a recent graduate, I want to address something I’ve encountered—the way young people are treated in our society. I have ambitious ideas, but I often face strong resistance, whether it’s because people are reluctant to leave their comfort zones or because my ideas challenge societal norms and beliefs. This brings us back to the issue of gender equality—what women can or can’t do. The entire system needs to change. There’s a pervasive fear of societal judgement; whenever I want to do something, I have to consider how it will be perceived by others.”
In Bar Elias, the FGD undertaken with 14-16 year olds, access to education was a key point of discussion. Access to education for girls, especially higher education, was a common theme of discussion. One young Syrian participant highlighted how transport is a main issue that prevents girls from accessing higher education. She mentioned the lack of good and affordable universities in the region, and parents restricting girls from travelling long distances, or living in students’ accommodation to access good universities that are farther from Bar Elias.
Another participant stated: “Many parents oppose their daughters living in student accommodation far from home, and there’s no assurance that would make them feel secure enough to allow their daughters to attend a distant university. As a result, they often force their daughters to enrol in a local university, where she may not find the major she wants or might even drop out due to a lack of opportunities. This is a significant problem.”
Public spaces, hobbies and activities especially sports, were also mentioned as key priorities for the young participants. Football, tennis, paddle, basketball and swimming facilities and teaching, especially those accessible to girls, women and veiled women as well, are all very much needed.
One participant stressed the need for accessible public spaces “for children and us (young women) too”, that are close so parents don’t have to commute to these spaces such as the Cascada Mall (a private mall near Bar Elias that families go to for leisure) which contains a play area. “Every neighbourhood and area should have public spaces for leisure and activities.”