Our Story
The context of Lebanon and the MENA Region is complicated, messy, and uncertain but also full of possibilities, and this is exactly where social innovation can flourish and so Ryzomes was born.
Ryzomes focuses on social and service design by endorsing a bottom-up and participatory approach to tackle various civic matters including social, economic, and political issues.
We are a group of dedicated, specialized, visionary people with diverse expertise that has been consolidated over the years through engagements with various local and international actors.
We believe in pragmatic, agile, contextual, and creative ideas and solutions to address local challenges. We believe in the power of a democratic, equitable and decentralized economy that relies on solidarity economy enterprises, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), grassroots, and community-driven initiatives.
Based on the grounded grassroots, community-driven insights and perspectives, and empirical research we design the most appropriate and tailored organizing tools, dynamic social and economic structures, and state-of-the-art innovative tools.
Our Ways of Collaboration
We strongly believe in the power of data, participation, and creativity. Therefore we rely on a mix of methods, techniques, and tactics which are tailored depending on the project at hand and our partners. We aim to capitalize on opportunities and resources to have optimal outcomes. Our methods include
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approach.
Social
Innovation
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approaches.
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approach.
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approaches.
Horizontal
Organizing
We support our partners in creating horizontal structures and self-organizing through participatory approaches to ensure sustainability and ownership of projects.
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approach.
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approaches.
Empirical
Research
Through data that we collect quantitatively and qualitatively, we can get answers to many questions and provide evidence to inform projects and policies
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approach.
Improving the way organizations are tackling economic and societal challenges through the use of the innovative approaches.
Digitization
Within a fast-paced and digitally mediated world, we work collaboratively with our partners to support digital transformation and support in a manner that meets their needs and aspirations.
Our Vision
We aspire to create alternative social and economic models.
We also aim to empower local communities, create contextual and sustainable digital innovation, manage spaces for networking, knowledge sharing, and exchange and compile data about various topics related to the MENA region and Lebanon.
Our Values
we are fighters
Our work is a fight for social justice and a better quality of life for people
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We are patient and persevering despite the adversity
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If we have a goal in mind, we will do everything possible to achieve it
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We push for social change and transformation at a small and large scale
we are dreamers
We think big but start small
We work on realistic yet impactful ideas
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We believe in creativity and its amplification
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We want to use technology and innovation as a medium for positive transformation
we are learners
We learn from the people we work with as we believe that knowledge comes from different places and spaces
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We always explore practices from other contexts to inspire our work
we are agile
Since the uncertainty is always looming and circumstances are often unpredictable, we make sure to be flexible and agile enough to adapt to any situation and make sure to work with multiple stakeholders.
we are self-reflecting
Integrity and transparency are integral to our identity and work
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We learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others to be and do better
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We make sure no harm results from our work
We make sure to preserve strong work ethics both internally and externally