Climbing for Peace
Since 2017, ClimbAID has been running a successful sport for development project in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, from which more than 400 children and young people from both the local population and the refugee community benefit every year. The project encompasses a mobile climbing wall (A ROLLING ROCK), a permanent wall (The ARC aka Standing Rock) and outdoor climbing trips in the local area.
ClimbAID’s activities are designed to foster resilience and a sense of community among children and youth. In this way we make an important contribution to improving their mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.
Lebanon
Lebanon’s Unprecedented Crisis
Lebanon is currently facing an unparalleled crisis that encompasses a severe economic collapse, a significant refugee challenge, and the enduring consequences of the Lebanese Civil War. This multifaceted crisis, deeply rooted in the nation’s history, has profound and wide-ranging implications for Lebanon and its people, exacerbating vulnerabilities and hampering prospects for stability and progress.
Economic Collapse: A Devastating Impact
Lebanon’s economy has experienced a devastating collapse, aggravated by years of mismanagement, corruption, and unsustainable economic policies. The World Bank has described it as one of the world’s worst economic crises since the mid-19th century. The downturn has led to a rise in unemployment rates, pushing the majority of the population below the poverty line. Inflation has soared, and the national currency has lost more than 95% of its value. Widespread food insecurity and limited access to healthcare further compound the impact on the population, exacerbating pre-existing health conditions and leaving many vulnerable individuals without adequate medical care.
Refugee Crisis: Seeking Sanctuary from Conflict and Persecution
Lebanon currently shelters approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees who have fled the brutal Syrian civil war that began in 2011. This conflict has caused the displacement of almost 7 million Syrians within their own country, with more than 5 millions seeking refuge in neighbouring nations, including Lebanon. The Syrian civil war has resulted in significant human suffering, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and countless individuals experiencing injuries, trauma, or separation from their loved ones. The destruction of homes, infrastructure, and communities has left a lasting impact on Syria.
In addition to Syrian refugees, Lebanon is home to around half a million Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the 1950s. These refugees face challenges related to their rights and opportunities. They encounter limited access to education, healthcare, and employment, further exacerbating their vulnerable situation. Overcrowded camps and settlements, which were initially established as temporary solutions, continue to be their precarious living conditions.
Both Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon demonstrate resilience as they seek safety and stability within the country. However, the strain on Lebanon’s resources and infrastructure due to the large refugee population has led to increased conflict, tensions, and political scapegoating.
Lebanese Civil War: A Painful Legacy
The Lebanese Civil War, which took place from 1975 to 1990, has left a lasting impact on the nation. The conflict was fuelled by sectarian divisions, political rivalries, and regional interventions. It resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life, leaving scars that continue to affect Lebanon today. The war deepened sectarian divisions and exacerbated social tensions, culminating in a power-sharing system that perpetuates divisions and impedes effective governance. The conflict’s regional dimensions, with various foreign interventions, further prolonged the suffering and complexities of the war.
Impact on Society: Divisions and Displacement
The Lebanese civil war had devastating effects on the country. Communities were shattered, and thousands of Lebanese civilians were displaced from their homes. The war eroded trust and social cohesion, creating divisions among communities that had peacefully coexisted for generations.
The consequences of the war were far-reaching, resulting in approximately one million people being displaced, leading to one of the largest diasporas in the world. The scars of the civil war continue to impact Lebanese society and pose ongoing challenges to reconciliation, social healing, and the rebuilding of a unified nation.
“[We recommend to] expand social cohesion projects for Lebanese youth from mixed political and sectarian backgrounds, as well as between Syrian and Lebanese youth and women through school education and make sure such projects are designed rather long term and involve frequent activities.”
Our Response
In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, the contributions of organizations like ClimbAID are of utmost importance. By focusing on various aspects of humanitarian response, such as promoting mental wellbeing, fostering social cohesion, developing essential life skills and social competencies, and advocating for social justice and environmental protection, ClimbAID plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering and driving sustainable development in Lebanon:
- Promoting mental wellbeing through climbing therapy to address depression, anxiety, and trauma.
- Fostering social cohesion and inclusion by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting understanding and unity.
- Developing essential life skills such as trust, cooperation, communication, conflict resolution, and stress management.
- Advocating for social justice by challenging gender stereotypes, promoting gender equity, and empowering women.
- Overcoming racial and cultural differences within the climbing community to foster unity and solidarity.
- Promoting environmental protection through education and sustainable practices to minimize harm and preserve nature.
- Contributing to the alleviation of suffering and sustainable development in Lebanon through these comprehensive efforts.
In summary, ClimbAID’s humanitarian response encompasses mental wellbeing, social cohesion, life skills development, social justice advocacy, and environmental protection. These initiatives play a crucial role in addressing the crisis and building a brighter future for Lebanon.
Our Programmes
To address the needs and achieve our goals, ClimbAID developed a variety of targeted programmes.
YouCLIMB
The PSS programme “YouCLIMB” is based on climbing therapy and experiential education and comprises 8 sessions of 2 hours each. It was developed by ClimbAID to improve the physical and mental well-being of young people and to help them develop social and life skills. The activities are led by local facilitators who are trained by a certified climbing instructor. In addition to the sport-specific training, the coaches are trained in PSS facilitation, child protection, and mental health first aid.
Each session begins with a welcome, a reminder of the group rules, and an introduction to the theme and goals of the session. After a breathing meditation exercise, there is a warm-up routine, which is jointly led by the group. In the activity part of the session, the group works through experiential climbing activities and games that are designed to convey and experience the objectives of the session.
In 2022, ClimbAID in collaboration with Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, UNSW Sydney and Antonine University conducted a controlled trial to assess the impact of its YouCLIMB program on mental wellbeing. The quantitative and qualitative results, which will be published in two publications in the coming months, show that participation in YouCLIMB had a statistically significant positive impact on the psychological and psychosocial well-being of the participants compared to a control group.
Women’s Team
ClimbAID recognizes and addresses the impact of patriarchal norms and societal expectations that often hinder female participation in sports activities. Our commitment to empowering girls and women and promoting social inclusion is reflected in our approach across all programs, which includes a balanced mix of women-only and mixed-gender sessions. Through our climbing programs, female participants develop a strong sense of self-efficacy, enhancing their confidence and reshaping the perception of their strength, dispelling the notion of fragility.
We prioritize the creation of an environment where all participants interact on an equal footing, irrespective of gender. By doing so, we actively work to overcome social and religious divides, challenging the prevalent discourse of male dominance. Through shared experiences, participants form genuine friendships based on trust, shared identity, and a deep sense of belonging. In this context, factors such as gender, religion, and other externalities become secondary, fostering unity and understanding.
ClimbABILITY
ClimbABILITY is a project led by ClimbAID with the aim of enhancing the well-being and promoting social inclusion of young people living with disabilities in the Bekaa Valley. By addressing the systemic exclusion and limited opportunities faced by individuals with disabilities, ClimbAID creates positive change and fostering a more inclusive society.
The project’s pilot phase in 2021 underwent a comprehensive evaluation, revealing significant impacts for both the participants and ClimbAID facilitators. Through ClimbABILITY, the participants were able to increase their participation in recreational activities and significantly improve their motor, emotional, social and personal skills.
Building on the positive outcomes of the pilot project in 2021, ClimbAID and Arcenciel expanded the project in 2023, with a focus on sustainably integrating participants into regular activities beyond the project’s duration.
Community Sessions
Our engaging weekly Community Sessions go beyond climbing to explore a wide range of practical and relevant subjects. We delve into topics such as gender equality, anxiety management, risk assessment, emotional expression, conflict prevention, and much more. These sessions serve as a platform where participants acquire tools and skills to effectively navigate the challenges they encounter in their daily lives.
Engaging in regular climbing activities offers a multitude of benefits for social, physical, and mental well-being. When participants come together to share their experiences, both on and off the climbing wall, profound friendships and a strong sense of community spirit emerge. Climbing itself has been shown to elevate mood, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall fitness and strength, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
By blending engaging topics, physical activity, and a supportive community, our sessions provide a comprehensive approach to personal development and holistic well-being. Participants not only gain practical knowledge but also experience the transformative power of connection and support. They acquire practical skills, improve physical fitness, and cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience that extends far beyond the climbing wall.
Outdoor Sessions
Our Outdoor Sessions at our self-developed crag provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, build a sense of community, and prioritize mental health. The peaceful surroundings of Wadi Al Dalm’s natural landscape create a serene and calming environment for climbers.
Engaging in climbing activities in this setting allows participants to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and find peace in the present moment. The physical and mental challenges of climbing promote a sense of accomplishment and boost self-confidence, contributing to improved mental well-being.
Additionally, the supportive and inclusive nature of our Outdoor Sessions fosters a sense of belonging and friendship among participants. Through shared experiences and mutual encouragement, climbers form connections and find social support within the community.
Volunteer Team
The about 20 people strong volunteer team is a dedicated group of individuals who go beyond their personal climbing aspirations to make a positive impact in the community. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the YouCLIMB and ClimbABILITY Sessions, offering their time, skills, and enthusiasm to create meaningful experiences for participants.
As members of the volunteer team, these individuals undergo training includes facilitation techniques, communication, and creating inclusive and supportive environments. With their training and commitment, they become integral volunteer facilitators in the YouCLIMB and ClimbABILITY Sessions, helping participants develop their climbing skills, fostering their overall well-being, and promoting a sense of community and belonging.
Academy
The ACADEMY is for climbers who aspire to achieve excellence in their climbing journey, including competing in national competitions. This structured and comprehensive program provides participants with the tools and support necessary to enhance their climbing skills, physical fitness, and overall performance.
Under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors, ACADEMY members undergo intensive training, focusing on technical proficiency, strength conditioning, and mental resilience. The program equips climbers with the necessary skills to compete at the national level and represents a pathway for them to pursue ambitious climbing goals and showcase their abilities on a national stage.
In addition to its competitive focus, the ACADEMY program fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Climbers have the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn from their peers, and grow together. The program cultivates a strong sense of community, where like-minded individuals come together to share their passion and dedication to personal growth.