What happens when students help run elections?

What happens when you give young people real responsibility in the heart of government? You get insight, innovation and a glimpse of a more hopeful future. On a recent appearance on Noursat's The Morning Show, Youth4Governance (Y4G) alumni Kyra Chacra and Christian Ghassibe reflected on their hands-on role supporting Lebanon’s 2025 local elections, and the skills, challenges and sense of purpose they gained along the way.

Real skills, real stakes

Christian, an architectural engineering student, and Kyra, a public law specialist, were part of the 2025 Y4G cohort embedded in the Ministry of Interior. They supported everything from operations and complaints handling to media monitoring, citizen communications, and the rollout of a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence. But for both of them, the real impact went far beyond their assignments: it was about learning how to deliver public services under pressure, and what it takes to rebuild trust between citizens and the state.

“The elections took place in a very short period because there was a transition between governments. So we learned a lot about time management, how to divide one’s time, and how to work in a team with a very short window of opportunity,” Christian shared. “I don’t believe students today are usually able to work with such a large number of people to achieve such a national goal in so little time.”

Collaboration across specialisations

One of the most powerful aspects of the programme was its interdisciplinary approach. Y4G brings together students from law, political science, engineering and more, creating a dynamic mix of perspectives united by a shared mission: to improve public service.

“We were young people from various specialisations, working hand-in-hand to assist the Ministry of Interior,” Kyra explained. “It was a very nice give-and-take — we offered our knowledge, and they offered their experience.”

Restoring trust, one post at a time

Kyra and Christian played a key role in helping the Ministry of Interior strengthen its digital presence. By actively publishing voter turnout data and other timely updates on Twitter and Instagram, they helped open up new channels for transparency and dialogue.

“Many citizens today no longer have confidence in the electoral process or the state,” said Christian. "We helped the Ministry activate its social media accounts, specifically its Twitter and Instagram accounts, posting comparisons between 2016 and 2025 voter turnout rates. Citizens were watching and engaging so, if you will, we helped break the barrier between citizens and the Ministry."

Innovating with AI

The team also supported the launch of an AI-powered chatbot, enabling citizens, especially younger voters, to ask questions and get instant answers about voting procedures.

"The chatbot's purpose is to reduce the pressure on the Ministry, because many people want to call and inquire. People, especially perhaps the younger generation who are more active on social media, can ask the chatbot questions and get answers without waiting for a reply from the Ministry. This certainly made many things easier.”

Networks and perspective

For both Kyra and Christian, the Y4G experience extended far beyond the elections. It shaped how they see the public sector and their own futures.

“This programme provides many skills to the student who has just finished university," said Kyra. "They certainly have potential and existing skills, but through on-the-ground experience, through meeting stakeholders and others, they can develop these and realise their potential."

“When one works in the public sector, you get to know many people," Christian added. "In our case we got to know the Minister and other officials personally. So you also learn how to communicate with these people."

A call to future interns

Both alumni encourage students from all academic backgrounds to apply.

“All students should consider this,” Kyra said. “They will get to know state institutions and learn how the state works from the inside. And perhaps it can also change their perspective and restore trust in institutions on one hand, and the state on the other.”

Youth4Governance is a partnership between Siren Associates, Siren Analytics and Saint Joseph University. This edition of Y4G was made possible by support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.