Jeanette Frangieh,founder of Himaya Daeem Aataa,has dedicated her life to empowering Lebanon’s young people,especially those most vulnerable,to become leaders in society. Her work is deeply rooted in personal experiences and the values instilled in her by her family.
Frangieh’s inspiration comes from a blend of people and experiences that have shaped her worldview. Her grandfather’s influence on her was significant. His words encapsulated a lesson about modesty and duty towards others: “The low-lying land absorbs its own water and the water of others.” This sense of collective responsibility was further reinforced by her father-in-law,who in the 1960s,rallied people and youth together to work for democracy grounded in strong institutions in Lebanon. His efforts to create a committed community for democratic development left a lasting impact on Frangieh.
Frangieh sees immense potential in Lebanon’s youth and women,brimming with energy and insights,yet often overlooked in decision-making circles. This realisation drove her to launch initiatives focused on the financial,psychological,and moral well-being of young people in northe Lebanon. Over the course of a year and a half in Zgharta and Tripoli,she claims success in changing mindsets,empowering young people to see themselves as active members of society. The impact was clear,with a noticeable shift in attitudes and aspirations.
A pivotal moment in her jouey came in 2015,when a group of young people sought to organise a conference on environmental issues,only to be thwarted by local authorities. It was a tuing point for Frangieh,who then recognised how important it was to formalise her efforts. She knew that by establishing a registered entity,she could request support,hold events,and have a more tangible influence in society.
However,establishing a new organisation in a region with limited resources and expertise presented significant challenges. To navigate these obstacles,Frangieh sought exteal support and successfully sealed a number of partnerships. Among her key interests was engaging in activities offered by DRI Lebanon. After several applications and motivated by DRI’s strong reputation in Lebanon,her persistence was rewarded,and Himaya Daem Aataa finally participated in DRI’s training programmes.
Frangieh praises the training sessions conducted by DRI,emphasising their relevance and practicality. “The proposal writing training gave us tools we can actually use. We’ve leat how to craft proposals that speak directly to the realities on the ground,and we’ve sharpened our ability to identify community needs and develop clear,actionable plans,” she explains. “This has allowed us to approach our work with greater clarity and focus.”
Reflecting on her experiences,Frangieh also speaks about the empowerment that comes from connecting with other organisations through DRI’s training. “Meeting with other teams and representatives helped us realise that we’re not alone in this struggle. It’s given us a renewed sense of strength and determination. Together,we truly believe we can make a change,” she emphasises. “Our work is a candle in a very dark time. The youth are our future,and when we unite,there’s real power. Each of us might struggle alone,but together,we can demand our rights and create the change we need. It’s time to stop relying on resilience alone and start confronting the issues head-on.”
Through Himaya Daem Aataa,Jeanette Frangieh continues to champion the cause of Lebanon’s young people and women,ensuring that their voices are heard and their potential is fulfilled.