Participation in Bridges to New Horizons: Integral Projects Leadership was a turning point for me. I come from a rigorous scientific background, so an integrated program of leadership and project management was an experiential learning journey that blends strategic thinking, deep inner awareness, team dynamics, and courageous conversation. My approach to problem-solving in a conflict environment has fundamentally changed. 

I work in a university context, responsible for a large-scale program and network that provides higher-education opportunities. In South Lebanon, amidst war and its devastating financial impacts, lies a fragile demographic. These are middle-income students whose families earn just enough to disqualify them from traditional need-based humanitarian aid, yet far too little to afford skyrocketing university tuition. Trapped between absolute poverty and unattainable tuition fees, these young people are prone to lose hope and become vulnerable to despair and instability. I lead a university initiative designed to open a doorway by offering partial university scholarships through interest-free student loans, life skills training, SAT preparation, and structured livelihood support.

My goal during the Bridges to New Horizons program was to create new paths to growth and sustainability for university scholarships, keeping students on a path toward STEM degrees and stable work rather than anger and frustration that emerge when hopes are dashed. The war intensified, and I lost project team members in the resulting confusion and pressure, but I carried on, supported by the program’s practices and personal coaching. My initiative evolved from a compassionate vision into a structured operational reality. I used the program frameworks and tools to map critical stakeholders and build a comprehensive plan with administrative reporting systems, attendance tracking, training protocols, and a detailed budget.

I engaged with partner universities and local administrative bodies to finalize new Memorandums of Understanding and secure tuition discounts and structured, interest-free loan agreements that make STEM education at universities more viable for financially vulnerable students. This included a revamped community outreach strategy with updated digital broadcast promotions and recruitment, more grassroots visits to local schools, and new partnerships with regional NGOs to showcase the availability of interest-free loans, SAT prep, and life skills workshops in a welcoming, accessible format.

We can see the impact in the number of youth who enter and graduate from university who otherwise would not have. This is a measurable path to peace.