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There are 14 kilometres separating the two villages. One, Majdal Anjar, sits right next to the Syrian border. The other, Qab Elias, lies at the foot of sloping mountains on the edge of the western plateau of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.

Though geographically split, social challenges and predicaments unite the two towns.

The stage is all set. The actors have rehearsed their roles and put on their theatrical outfit. The audience have taken their seats. They are ready for the moment. Ready for this ‘mini-adaptation.’

Hala* is sporting a green hat and carrying a splint oak basket. Faten* has draped a shawl around her head and put on horn-rimmed glasses that befit her grandmotherly looks.

It is summer, a time usually associated with vacations, camps and long stays in tents outdoor- in the lap of Mother Nature. It is a time when people look to enjoy a well-earned holiday after a long season.

His black duffle bag is full to the brim. He drags it along the floor and straps the drawstring on his shoulder with two consecutive moves. Today’s journey has begun.

Tarek, 12, is leaving his house to embark on a tour around one of the villages in Mount Lebanon. Inside his bag, there are clothes, linen and socks. For the next five hours, he will try to market as much as he can. He is a child on a mission.

They have voices, but are they being heard?

This is the question that represents the essence of Save the Children’s Child Rights Governance programme, to translate children’s words into demands, their rights into duties and whims into realities.