CATALYST
Step into the world of CATALYST – Catalyzing Youth Shaping Transformation! A dynamic project designed to ignite positive change among North Lebanon's and Akkar's youth with a specific focus on young women and youth in the circular economy. It aims to activate and nurture the potential of young minds with essential skills and leadership opportunities.
Catalyst provides two tracks, namely the CUWA and CATCH tracks, open to youth residing in the municipalities of Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar and Tripoli for the CATCH track in addition to Mishmish for the CUWA track. It also culminates with the 'Catalyst Futures Forum' to celebrate the achievements and learning of all youth.
Join us in addressing critical gaps in the circular economy, promoting active participation, and creating a space for knowledge exchange. Be part of the transformation!
Catalyst project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and in cooperation with INJAZ Lebanon and the municipalities of Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar, Kfarhelda, Mishmish, and Tripoli.
CUWA TRACK
The CUWA, Circularity Uniting Women in Action, track invites young women in North Lebanon & Akkar* to explore sustainable living, entrepreneurship, and leadership. With a focus on eco-friendly practices and community engagement, this track fosters a collective spirit and a practical approach to shaping a greener and circular future.
Within CUWA, young women participating in the sustainability and circular economy training will take a leadership role in engaging with older women within their communities. Selected participants will be paid a 4-month stipend to facilitate activities within this track.
This unique approach fosters a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experiences, creating a collaborative space for exploring and implementing green practices. Through this intergenerational interaction, CUWA aims to bridge wisdom and innovation, contributing to a more sustainable and interconnected community fabric.
*The CUWA track is exclusively open to residents of these five municipalities in the North of Lebanon & Akkar: Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar, Mishmish, and Tripoli.
ACTIVITIES (CUWA)
-
Green Basics
A five-day/20-hour training program teaching basic sustainability & circular practices knowledge, eco-living skills, and solutions for a greener future.
-
Communication Basics
Training for community leaders emphasizing effective communication through expressive facilitation, knowledge sharing, and project presentations.
-
Facilitation Basics
Selected participants will be offered a 4-month paid job as facilitators for sessions within the CUWA track
-
Green Community Circles
Collaborative activities uniting you with older women from your local communities to address challenges, foster unity, get exposed to diverse stakeholders, and expand your horizons through real-world experiences.
WHO & WHEN (CUWA)
Eligibility Criteria
CUWA track is exclusively open to YOUNG WOMEN who are:
- Aged between 18 & 35
- High-school graduates & University students
- Passionate about sustainability & eager to lead change
- Motivated to drive positive change within your community
- Residing in any of these 5 municipalities in North Lebanon & Akkar: Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar, Mishmish, and Tripoli
Catalyst project is open to participants of all nationalities.
Timeline
- Call for applications: March & April 2024
- Ongoing screening & selection: March & April 2024
- Launch & ongoing trainings: May to December 2024
- Catalyst Futures Forum: February 2025
Kindly be aware that participants enrolled in CUWA won't have the opportunity to participate in the CATCH track. Make sure you select the track that aligns best with your preferences!
Apply to CUWA Track
Click here to apply to this track
Apply to CUWA TrackCATCH Track
CATCH, the Catalyst Innovation Challenge, is aimed at youth representatives from local community-based organizations, educational institutions, or youth clubs in the following municipalities in the North of Lebanon*: Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar, and Tripoli.
It inspires them to discover opportunities for their community in embracing more circular and sustainable practices through the Circular Challenge.
Youth representatives, aged 18 to 30, who are eager to participate should apply in teams of a minimum of 5. They should be capable of presenting a project that addresses environmental and economic challenges on behalf of their organization, institution, club, etc.
Five exceptional projects representing their youth-led organizations will stand a chance to win up to $5,000 each for project implementation!
*The CATCH track is exclusively open to residents of these four municipalities in the North of Lebanon: Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar, and Tripoli.
ACTIVITIES (CATCH)
-
Circular Bootcamp
Structured workshops offering in-depth insights into the principles and practices of the circular economy with dedicated sessions to developing circular business models and innovating in the green economy.
-
Circular Challenge
Apply gained knowledge and skills from previous workshops to develop innovative circular economy solutions for your community.
-
Circular Project Implementation
A total of $25K in In-Kind grants & incubation support will be awarded to the 5 youth-led projects showcasing circular economy principles with impactful potential in their municipalities. These teams will be selected during the Demo Day.
WHO & WHEN (CATCH)
Eligibility Criteria
CATCH track is exclusively open to TEAMS who:
- Consist of at least 5 youth members aged between 18 & 30
- Represent their local & community-based organizations, educational institutions, or youth clubs
- Come from various specializations including students, graduates, & young professionals
- Have a passion for sustainability
- Are eager to explore the circular economy's potential to address environmental and economic challenges.
- Reside in any of these 4 municipalities in the North Lebanon: Al Mina, Bourj Al Yahoudiyeh, Deir Ammar, and Tripoli
Catalyst project is open to participants of all nationalities.
Timeline
- Call for applications: March & April 2024
- Ongoing screening & selection: March & April 2024
- Launch & ongoing trainings: May to December 2024
- Catalyst Futures Forum: February 2025
Apply to CATCH Track
Click here to apply to this track
Apply to CATCH TrackCATALYST FUTURES FORUM
The Catalyst Futures Forum is the culmination of the Catalyst project in Tripoli and aims to celebrate the achievements of both CUWA and CATCH participants!
They will get to showcase their green projects within the exhibition space and benefit from the unique networking opportunity allowing them to showcase their circular, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills. It's a testament to youth ingenuity, their commitment to sustainability, and their role in shaping a greener and more prosperous future for the region.