MARCH X KENZAH FOUNDATION Another exciting collaboration recently took place with the help of Kenzah Foundation and Lebanon Needs at Kahwetna, MARCH’s cultural café in Tripoli. The goal was to combine local crafstmanship with humanitarian work through a unique community building initiative that would help give back to those in need. It aimed to introduce people to the dying art of making traditional wool blankets better known as “Lhaf or لحاف”. The day brought together youth from Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen in addition to volunteers from various Lebanese regions. The workshop was delivered by Muallem Hajj Amer who transmitted his know-how to the enthusiatic team. He is one of the five remaining individuals who master this craft. Over the last century, this industry witnessed a 90% drop in production. Once these blankets are completed, they will be given to families in need to help provide warmth and relief for winters to come.
Tag: Culture
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ARTS AND CULTURE
MARCH’s approach has always been rooted in its belief that arts and culture are powerful catalysts of change that can help foster long-term sustainable stability. In addition to theater, MARCH has also incorporated art in its holistic rehabilitation and reintegration program- Beb El Dahab. By creating a safe space for personal and professional development, the youth are able to explore new skills and interests. These former fighters are encouraged to express themselves through various constructive outlets, including the arts. This has offered them a platform for self-expression that enables them to channel their emotions in a positive manner. We also hosted Shrine, an international installation artist, painter and muralist that helped teach MARCH’s youth new techniques. This generated a ripple effect as we saw a numerous young men and women take part in this project. Today, a number of them have blossomed into wonderful artists that have contributed in adding a beautiful touch of color across the streets of Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. This is quite symbolic as it represents a journey of change for both the communities and their youth.Finally, MARCH consistently strives to promote and showcase local talent through its various events such as the Cultural Blast for example. Through our work with marginalized youth from Tripoli, Akkar and Beirut, we have realized that these areas harbor a well of untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. Many artists have never been given the right opportunities. Therefore, MARCH actively tries to collaborate with these youths on different projects and events. Additionally, both our cultural cafés have professional recording studios accessible to the communities to enable promising musicians and producers to further their careers.
GET TOGETHER! YOUTH CULTURAL EXCHANGE INITIATIVE
Saturday August 24th marked the second of two visits of a youth cultural exchange initiative that MARCH, in collaboration with the Jabal Sheikh Municipality Federation, had set up in an effort to promote social cohesion. The initiative was made possible through the help and support of the Dutch embassy in Lebanon. Its goal was to bring together youth from different backgrounds across Lebanon to volunteer and discuss ideas, thoughts and concerns as a means to encourage constructive dialogue and inclusivity. During a first visit to Jabal El Sheikh on July 13th, Tripoli’s youth met with the locals and were able to explore the village through an array of dynamic activities. The trip was both an educational opportunity and a chance to create friendships and bonds between the two communities. Following a successful initial exchange, Tripoli was the project’s second destination. The initiative brought together youth from various backgrounds across Lebanon. MARCH hosted a group from Jabal el Sheikh- in collaboration with Jabal el Sheikh Municipalities Federation, in addition to a group from Qana- in collaboration with the Cana Youth Association, and lastly a group from Baalbak- in collaboration with LOST, The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training. Our visitors were welcomed by youth from Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen joined by two incredibly special guests: Dutch Ambassador in Lebanon, His Excellency Jan Waltmans and Lebanese basketball all-star Fadi El Khatib. Overall, the initiative managed to gather 130 individuals from different backgrounds across Lebanon. Upon arrival to Tripoli, the youth enjoyed a traditional local breakfast on the Abdel Wahhab Island in Mina. The meal was followed by a trip around the city which featured a tour of Tripoli’s most iconic sites. The group explored the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles and took a walk through the old souks, accompanied by a guide who familiarized them with the city’s history and culture. The youth were also introduced to the MARCH’s mission and work in Tripoli during a pit-stop to the organization’s cultural cafe- Kahwetna. Community service was an active component of the initiative, therefore a small clean-up campaign was conducted on Syria Street. With team spirit and unity being a central theme of the visit, the day was concluded with a friendly and dynamic football tournament. This sports activity rallied the youth around their passion for the game and proved to be a powerful tool for creating and fostering common ground. This exchange has allowed the youth of Rachaya, Baalbek, Qana and Tripoli to accept their differences on the one hand, and embrace their similarities on the other as they share a number of social, economic and historical commonalities. In a country like Lebanon, where diversity is a double-edged sword, promoting mutual understanding between different communities is essential. Exposing youth to different traditions, habits and heritages is a wonderful learning experience. MARCH hopes to be able to recreate this experience between other Lebanese regions as this would help transcend stereotypes and preconceived notions of “the other”.
US, THE MOON AND THE NEIGHBORS
Tripoli’s Malloule Street hosted this year’s edition of “Us, The Moon and The Neighbors” as part of Beb El Dahab’s Adha celebrations on Friday August 16th. The Beb El Dahab initiative started in 2016 as a simple rebuilding project but has since transformed into a social movement. It brought together youth from Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, two previously feuding communities in Tripoli and allowed them to work hand in hand to rebuild what was once ravaged by violence and war. Their work has contributed in resuscitating a marginalized and war-torn area but more importantly, has created a sense of community and unity. MARCH partnered with Collective Kahraba -a Lebanese performing arts company- to bring a unique and dynamic line-up of both local and international contemporary artists. The fantastic atmosphere brought together families and friends from both Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. In true fashion, the night was filled with laughter, entertainment and delicious food. The evening featured three main acts which took place in different spots, the first of which was “Fileuse” by Compagnie Lunatic. The breathtaking aerial performance showcased Cecile Mont-Reynaud’s solo to a musical improvisation by Ghassan Sahhab. It embodies the diary of a woman, on a vertical, evoking the cycles of time. The threads attempted to depict life while illustrating imaginary worlds. The second act was Collective Kahraba’s very own “Origin of a Tale” an exquisite mix of storytelling, sculptures and sounds. The performers utilized clay to portray our oldest folk tales, explore their origins and retrace their genealogy. Last but certainly not least was “Waterfalls” by La Mecanica & Mime Prague. The one-man show that combines both street theater and physical performance to depict the experience of a comedian whose dream show rapidly deteriorates into a nightmare. The artists managed to involve the audience and allowed it to take part in his fateful journey. The performer quickly goes from hero to zero in an ironic turn of events. Us, The Moon and The Neighbors’ intimate setting captivated children and adults of all ages and allowed them to create wonderful and unforgettable memories. We look forward to recreate the experience soon!
STRAIGHT FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The British Order of Chivalry is “the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and rewards contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service. It was established in 1917 by King George V, wishing to create an Order to honor many thousands of those who had served during the First World War”. Recipients are awarded the Order of Chivalry by Her Majesty the Queen herself. The 2019 New Year Honors list has been announced. Per usual, the list includes a number of outstanding individuals from all around the globe who have committed to making the world a better place by challenging boundaries and building bridges where needed. Today, we are honored to congratulate our very own Lea Baroudi, a Lebanese humanitarian who’s made it her mission to spread tolerance, social cohesion and break down sectarian walls. The list gives homage to pioneers of social change and Lea Baroudi is no exception. Through her growing NGO MARCH, Baroudi has been a prominent actor in promoting equal civic rights and sustainable peace building. Her approach is holistic as she believes that arts and culture are catalysts for social change. Her work has touched the lives of many and has covered the country’s most agitated, divided and marginalized areas. Numerous projects and countless capacity-building classes later, Baroudi has managed to equip vulnerable communities with tools to better their quotidian. She is the 5 th Lebanese to become a member of the British Order of Chivalry after retired brigadier general Maroun Hitti was initiated in March of 2018. The prestigious award recognizes Lea Baroudi’s leading role in the fight for Human Rights and her unwavering efforts to break religious barriers in Lebanon, facilitate dialogue amongst communities and engage local youth. Many, such as British ambassador in Lebanon Chris Rampling, have congratulated Baroudi on her remarkable achievement and have expressed their support. In December 2018 Rampling visited Kahwetna, MARCH’s cultural café in Tripoli, and saw firsthand the impact Baroudi’s work had on the local men and women. Baroudi headed to Buckingham Palace in Westminster later this year to receive the Order of Chivalry. This award will be a cornerstone for MARCH’s future endeavors as it embodies fundamental and universal values.
CHRISTMAS POP-UP EVENT AT HONA BEIRUT!
On the 20th of December 2018 MARCH’s tribe hosted people from all over the country to celebrate the festive season at Hona Beirut cultural cafe. The celebrations included live musical performances from some of our local talent such as Bikar Beirut, Dabdoub & Shalabi as well as Abou Saleh and Band. Our Christmas Pop-up also featured some cool products conceptualized and designed by local youth of both Beirut and Tripoli. The proceeds will help fund future activities and workshops to help foster local talent and creativity.
HONA BEIRUT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT!
Under the patronage of the Governor of Beirut H.E, Judge Ziad Chebib, and in cooperation with the Lebanese Football Association and Right to Play Organization, MARCH organized on Monday November 12, 2018 the 1st edition of HONA BEIRUT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT. It took place at Qasqas football fields in Beirut in the presence of the press that covered the event. The 4 days tournament included 65 individuals divided into 8 diverse teams. They competed for the title, all united in their diversity. The event gathered youth from different backgrounds and areas in Beirut. The teams mirrored Lebanon’s cultural and religious diversity. Before the final game, MARCH gathered the participants in a four-day training in collaboration with Right to Play to build their football skills and team spirit before the tournament. The last day of the 4 days tournament included artistic performances, a friendly game led by professional local players from the Lebanese Football Association, and the big final match between the two winning teams. The games on the other hand were covered by a live commentator that gave a professional spirit to the tournament.
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