From Battle Lines to Design Lines - Crafting Pieces for Peace
Rebuilding Communities Through Art
Kanyamakan Designs Atelier is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art in reconciliation and unity.
Because at Kanyamakan Designs we don’t just nurture skills; we nurture lives, helping individuals rebuild their futures and, in turn, their communities.
Through vocational training in furniture making, upcycling, wood painting, calligraphy, embroidery, fashion design, and more, these young artisans are transforming their stories of love and war into art.
Supported by our master craftsmen, they are not just learning new skills; they are building a new community—one grounded in creativity, unity, and peace.
Their journey, marked by incredible resilience, is a testament to the power of collective action to overcome division and violence.
Meet the Faces Behind Kanyamakan Designs
Stories About the Healing Power of Art
“I used to think of weapons, now I think of brushes and paint rollers…" M.Latech
At Kanyamakan Designs, we are all about transforming lives. Our team is the soul of this endeavor, each member bringing resilience, hope, and an unyielding will to overcome life’s challenges.
They are not just artisans; they are heroes rising from the darkness of their past, courageously crafting a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
While they used to tell stories of hate and animosity with their riffles and bullets, today with every stroke of paint, every stitch, and every carved line, they tell a story of courage, optimism, and the power of peace.
“Each design tells the story of my life, of the wars I’ve endured, and how they transformed my expression. I came to believe that there is another way to convey our thoughts, that hate leads us nowhere, and that our differences are beautiful, like the designs themselves.” – M.Khayal (male, Beb El Tebbeneh)
“My experience in wood paint taught me that the value of wood and pieces is not destroyed, it can be renewed and changed with designs and drawings, it regains its value and makes people love to adopt it, and certainly this is something that makes me positive about change and that it’s possible and even makes things more valuable”. – N.Kanjo (female, Jabal Mohsen)
Meet Abdallah, an Architect of Change
Abdallah Jundi is a former fighter from Beb a Tebbeneh. He participated in the gun fire fights between Jabal Mohsen and Beb Tebbeneh toac revenge the death of his brother that was shot during neighboring feuds. After the security plan in which the Lebanese army stopped the armed conflict, he was taken to prison and was held there for 1 year.
When he got out he was searching for a job because as he couldn’t legally work due to his criminal records. He was told about March Lebanon initiative by a friend, and the trainings and opportunities he could benefit from. At first he was reluctant to join the program, and be in the same hub as former enemies from Jabal Mohsen. After a while he decided to try, and found out how similar they all are in, and how they live under the same circumstances. Day by day he developed his peacebuilding mind as well as his crafting skills, and he joined the Hand embroidery workshops. Today he feels that Kanyamakan is part of him, where he contributes in something positive and leave his fingerprint. Abddallah says: “when I saw my work in Kanyamakan gallery it gave me hope and a positive push.”
Meet Mohamad, a Storyteller of Transformation
Mohamad Shakouf is a former fighter from Jabal Mohsen that is crafting a better future.
He participated in the fights for religious reasons and got injured after a short while and his injury cause him to be paralyzed.
The injury was in his spine, after 4 years of treatment he started to walk again, feeling like he got a second chance in life, he decided to join March program, and the Kanyamakan workshop. He never had an experience in woodwork and he refused at first.
When he learned his work was being showed in Kanyamakan gallery and website, it helped him build more confidence in his craft and about talking about his story and being proud of who he became and what he is doing, this confidence was buried because he didn’t have a chance to share and be proud of who he was and where he came from.
Meet the Team Behind Kanyamakan Designs
Kanyamakan Designs Atelier Backbone
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes at Kanyamakan Designs is a dedicated support team that is the glue holding everything together.
Our leadership team embodies a blend of respect for tradition and a passion for innovation.
With deep roots in the region’s artistic heritage, they have turned Kanyamakan Designs into more than just a workshop, but rather into an inspiring movement.
Under their stewardship, every creation is a story, a statement of hope, and a symbol of unity. Their vision has ensured that Kanyamakan Designs stands as a beacon of quality and community impact, inspiring all who cross its threshold.
Their efforts are vital to maintaining the high standards we are known for, as part of the entire holistic reconciliation and rehabilitation program of March Lebanon mission.
From logistics to customer service, these dedicated individuals are the backbone of Kanyamakan Designs. Their efforts allow our artisans to focus on their craft, creating masterpieces that inspire.
From coordinating supply chains to handling inquiries, every detail is managed with care, enabling Kanyamakan Designs to thrive as a hub of creativity and peace building community.
Because at Kanyamakan Designs we don’t just nurture skills; we nurture lives, helping individuals rebuild their futures and, in turn, their communities.
Through vocational training in furniture making, upcycling, wood painting, calligraphy, embroidery, fashion design, and more, these young artisans are transforming their stories of love and war into art.
Farah R. our Wood painting trainer
“I believe everyone has something special to offer, and when they come together, the work becomes more beautiful. People enjoy working when they have a space to be themselves, but sadly society creates unnecessary divides. Yet those differences can also be a piece of art, coming together to create something stronger and more meaningful than we could on our own.”
Carla A. our Fashion Designer
“I watch these people work so hard everyday. What they learn here is more than just a skill, They learn how to work in a team, They learn how to accept their own mistakes and find ways to fix them. They learn how to help each other when someone is struggling with a certain step. They learn how to be proud of their progress. Beautiful things come together here, one stitch at a time.”
Mohammad S. our Master Carpenter
“I taught students how to do carpentry my entire life, but I have never taught someone like here, it took me a while to realize that it’s more than teaching it’s more about creating a whole new opportunity in life.”
Malak L. our Production Coordinator
“It’s more than just buying a cushion, a chair or a t-shirt it’s about how it was created and as a witness I can tell that it doesn’t only take a lot of time and challenges I can tell how vulnerable it is to share what happened, who they lost and what they are trying to build, each piece contains so much a story of different backgrounds, hard work and belief in a second chance because everyone deserves a second chance, Buy the art before the artist is dead.”
Because Every PEACE Tells a Story
By embracing their carefully crafted design items, you are not only supporting their journey but also spreading a powerful message of hope and acceptance.
Testimonials
In Your Own Words
Testimonies of People who purchased from Kanyamakan Designs
Lea Baroudy
“The most transformative peacebuilding happens when former fighters put down their weapons and pick up the tools of creation—whether it be art, carpentry, or community service.”
Founder of MARCH Lebanon