Developing human rights consciousness among youth through student clubs
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Nouveaux Droits de L'Homme’s (NDH) education and training program established Club 3D ("Droits, Devoirs et Democratic" or "Duties, Rights and Democracy") in high schools. NDH attempts to counter the factionalist and religious divisions within Lebanon. In particular, education, which is run by the private sector, fosters religious loyalty rather than the ideals of democracy and citizenship.  Targeting youth between 15 and 18, the clubs aim to raise awareness about human rights through training programs and social activities.
    
NDH developed a participatory method for learning about human rights. The program includes group discussion, role playing and guided entertainment and activities to educate about human rights, citizenship, democracy, tolerance and self-expression. University students were recruited as peer facilitators to lead groups at each school. These facilitators were given training in the program and provided with ongoing consultation and support.
    
Three schools were initially chosen to participate, though only two accepted. Each school had a teacher who agreed to serve as a liaison between the school and NDH. Before students were recruited to the club, a parents' meeting was held to lower apprehension about the program. Students were allowed to join the club only after completing an application which included parents' signatures. Fifteen students participated in each of the first two clubs. Each club was facilitated by 5 university students. The facilitators meet regularly together with NDH staff to evaluate the program.
    
The clubs have been well received. Participation as volunteer facilitators generated high interest among university students, many of whom have become involved in other aspects of NDH's work. Another organization has partnered with NDH to expand the program to 8 new schools in the upcoming year.
    
NDH attempts to counter the factionalist and religious divisions within Lebanon. In particular, education, which is run by the private sector, fosters religious loyalty rather than the ideals of democracy and citizenship. Club 3D acknowledges that it is difficult to reach youth through the regular education process and looks to extracurricular time to build an ethic of human rights.
    
As evidenced by the school which initially declined to host a Club 3D, this tactic requires support from educational or community institutions, which must offer their space, access to their students, and other resources for the program to succeed. In some cases, resistance from schools, government or other institutions may be a hindrance to implementing this tactic. As with all youth education programs, an effective, engaging curriculum is essential if there will be an impact. A quality curriculum supported by the needed resources is a tactic which can be used to further any group's understanding of human rights.
    

Contact Information
Organization: 
Nouveaux Droits de L'Homme (NDH)
Country or Region: 
Lebanon

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