iloubnan.info: When was « Think Lebanon » created? Who are its founders and recent main members?
Think Lebanon: Think Lebanon was established in april 2007 by Celine El Debs, Rouane Wakim, Noha Gomaa, and Zahi Haddad. They are all volunteers living in Geneva and they are active in various domains.
Moreover, since its creation, Think Lebanon has been based on the contribution of the volunteers who allowed it to develop its own identity and its own website
www.thinklebanon.ch and to manage all the logistics that are inherent in its events (reception, photos, etc.). The financial and material supports given by various partners and sponsors are also primordial for the performance of this association.
The association is constantly searching for good wills as well as specific abilities. It also welcomes, with a lot of interest, each proposition concerning any event or any relation between young artists that are likely to take place in Geneva.
Behind the creation of each association, there is always an urging element: what made you created Think Lebanon at this precise moment?
In January 2007, a group of 7 people organized the projection of the movie “Bosta” by Philippe Aractingi. All the profits were granted to the Lebanese Red Cross. The people of Geneva – Most of them came from Canton of Vaud and French neighborhood - liked the event so much that a group decided to renew the adventure by creating an association for Lebanon this time.
Why did you choose culture as a “lever” to act on the social level?
Culture is universal. Even though we decline it under its different forms, it reminds us that we all have a common heritage. Concerning “Bosta” for example, the message is clear. It generates reflection over themes affecting every human being and allows the understanding of the particular case at the same time.
Everybody needs to go to the theater, visit a painting exposition, or attend a rock or rap concert. Think Lebanon wishes to emphasize the novelties of young artists trying to impose themselves.
What’s better than culture to create links and erase differences – that are often artificial? Geneva has a very rich cultural offer, and yet the mobilization of the inhabitants is very encouraging. Furthermore, the Lebanese mezzas that we still offer in every event have already become our enormous allies!
What cultural events have you organized until now?
The association was only created a few months ago. Therefore, just one event has been organized: a piano concert with Rami Khalifé. The 26-year-old young Lebanese impressed the audience. And the mayor of Geneva attended this concert to give his support to him. Three associations have already received the funds that we were able to collect. This association’s future is hence encouraging, and we have just begun to think about a future event.
How does the evaluation of the associations you support take place on the ground?
Our philosophy is to support the small institutions that do not receive regular contributions. We go to the ground and discuss with people who sacrifice a little bit of their free time to voluntary work, in order to choose profit-making associations. The “by word of mouth” is very effective.
For example, when we chose The CASS Hasbaya (Community Association for Student Support), “Lebanon United” Association, located in London, was the one who allowed the contact.
Afterwards, we meet the officials before evaluating the needs: medicines, food, mattresses, clothes, schooling, books etc. Sometimes, it is necessary to meet with the concerned people in need (families, schools etc). Then, priorities are fixed. At the end of the procedure, we always ask for an activity report in order to see how funds are used.
How much money have you been able to collect until now?
Rami Khalifé’s concert brought us twenty thousand francs. But we need to look beyond this sum to see what it represents in terms of bought material.
We often talk about misappropriation of contributions on the ground in Lebanon (and even abroad!). Do you try to verify how these contributions are used once you grant them to the associations (via reports, feed-backs etc)? Or you simply trust the associations you choose?
This is also one of our major rules: Never give money without knowing where it is going. A follow up is done from the beginning till the end. And like everyone else, we have heard many stories related to misappropriation of funds or to bad use. Therefore, we pay attention a lot to this issue. When we meet with associations, we make it clear that the funds collected for them won’t be sent unless we see a project in which the associations define the money’s use. Once the money is transferred, a detailed report must be provided by the institution with invoices as supporting evidence.
