Lebanon’s deep-seated political, social, and economic divisions have long hindered the ability of its institutions to operate effectively. When the country’s crisis escalated in 2019, these fractures deepened, leaving communities and schools to grapple with growing uncertainty and instability. While moments of hope and potential progress emerged, the lack of cohesive leadership and national direction repeatedly stalled meaningful change.
In this vacuum, nafda’s founders began to envision a different path — one that places schools at the heart of rebuilding trust, resilience, and civic engagement. They recognized a powerful, often overlooked force within these institutions: school principals. Deeply rooted in their communities, these community leaders are uniquely positioned to lead bottom-up change and inspire collective action from within.
To nafda, schools are more than places of learning; they are essential spaces for nurturing the tools, relationships, and mindsets needed to bridge divides and spark lasting social transformation. Guided by three core values—engaged citizenship, social justice, and good governance— nafda launched with 20 school principals, a committed team, and a network of enablers, all driven by a shared vision.
Through this school-centered approach, nafda empowers young people to think critically, act collectively, and challenge the systems that perpetuate division — laying the groundwork for a more connected and just Lebanon.