What IfVoices of Change

Voices of Change · Lebanon 2026–2028

Voices of Change

Peace-sensitive media skills for a new generation of Lebanese youth.

A two-year programme empowering 50 young people across Tripoli, Akkar, Bekaa, Saida and Beirut with the skills, networks and opportunities to build livelihoods in journalism, digital storytelling and responsible media, while promoting non-polarising narratives.

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50
youth participants
24
months
5
regions in Lebanon
≥50%
women participants
≥60%
from rural / peripheral areas

About

About Voices of Change

Voices of Change is a 24-month project by The What If, delivered in Lebanon in partnership with the Drosos Foundation. It creates dignified livelihood pathways in media and digital sectors for vulnerable youth, and promotes peace-sensitive, non-polarising narratives in a fractured public sphere.

The context we're responding to

Lebanon is facing a convergence of crises: prolonged economic collapse, institutional fragility, and social fragmentation. Youth unemployment sits around 48%, among the highest in the region. Young people from marginalised areas outside Beirut face structural barriers to media and digital sector opportunities. The media ecosystem is deeply politicised and sectarian, and ~78% of Lebanese youth rely on social media for news yet lack skills in fact-checking, responsible storytelling and non-violent communication.

Who this is for

50 young people aged 18–30 with aspirations in media, communication and digital storytelling. At least 50% women. At least 60% from rural or peripheral areas, particularly Tripoli, Akkar, Bekaa (Zahle, Baalbek), Saida and marginalised parts of Beirut.

Aligned with Drosos Foundation focus

The project is anchored in the Drosos Foundation's thematic focus on economic inclusion, youth agency and social cohesion, combining skills development with tangible livelihood pathways and community impact.

What We Do

What We Do

A staggered, tiered journey: from listening, to learning, to earning.

1. Share your voice & co-design

Through futures-thinking sessions, youth dialogues, and a participatory Youth Media Needs Assessment, participants share their perspectives, shape the curriculum, and lead the design of the program.

2. Learn practical media skills

Participants join hybrid training cohorts (6 weeks each) to build hands-on skills in conflict-sensitive reporting, non-violent communication, digital storytelling, fact-checking, and responsible social media, learning by doing, with mentors and peers.

3. Create, earn & lead

The most engaged participants step into real opportunities: internships, entry-level media jobs, freelance assignments, and micro-grants to launch their own peace-sensitive media initiatives, while joining a Youth Media Network that keeps growing beyond the program.

Your journey (24 months)

  1. 01
    Months 1–6

    Phase 1: Listen & Co-design

    Participants take part in futures-thinking sessions and youth dialogues, contribute to the Youth Media Needs Assessment, and help shape the curriculum before training begins.

  2. 02
    Months 7–12

    Phase 2: Learn & Practice

    Participants join one of three hybrid training cohorts (6 weeks each), then move into specialised tracks with one-to-one mentoring to sharpen their craft.

  3. 03
    Months 13–20

    Phase 3: Create & Connect

    Participants produce their own media projects, take on internships and freelance assignments, showcase their work publicly, and expand the Youth Media Network alongside peers.

  4. 04
    Months 21–24

    Phase 4: Lead & Sustain

    Alumni step into leadership roles, take ownership of the Youth Media Network, and share what they've learned so the community continues after the program ends.

Outcomes

Outcomes & Impact

Three connected outcomes drive the theory of change.

01

Improved livelihood pathways

Participants access internships, entry-level roles, freelance projects and micro-grants in the media and digital sectors.

02

More peace-sensitive content

A visible increase in non-polarising, conflict-aware content produced by young people in target regions.

03

A sustainable Youth Media Network

An increasingly youth-led network that continues peer learning, professional exchange and collaboration beyond the project period.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Regular monitoring cycles with review meetings, field or virtual visits, and standardised logs, trackers and reporting tools. Long-term impact is measured through evidence of sustained non-polarising youth content in target regions and the continued presence of alumni in media and digital livelihood pathways.

Resources

Resources

Materials from the project and related work by The What If.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before joining Voices of Change: from who can apply to how you can keep engaging with us afterwards.

Eligibility & selection

Applying & timeline

Staying engaged after Get Involved

Get Involved

Get Involved & Contact Us

Four ways to be part of Voices of Change.

Express interest to participate

Are you 18–30, based in Lebanon, and curious about journalism, digital storytelling or responsible media? Tell us about yourself and we'll get in touch when applications open in your region.

In partnership with

The What IfDrosos Foundation