Safadi Celebrates Graduation of 80 Participants in Work-Based Learning Project in Lebanon

Mr. Sayed Bou Francis highlighted the alignment of the project with the Directorate's objective to prepare young individuals professionally and technically through advanced educational curricula.

In a significant milestone for vocational education in northern Lebanon, the Safadi Foundation Association held a graduation ceremony for 80 participants in a work-based learning project, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the ENABLE programme funded by the European Union, and the Skill Up programme funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

The ceremony, held at the Safadi Cultural Center in Tripoli on 18 July 2024, was attended by key figures such as Dr. Ruba Jaradat, ILO Regional Director for Arab States; Ms. Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon; Mr. Sayed Bou Francis, head of the Vocational Department in the Directorate of Vocational and Technical Education; and representatives from the private sector, relevant associations, local partners, and the graduates' families.

The work-based learning project, which ran from October 2023 to March 2024, equipped 80 individuals with practical skills in fields such as manufacturing, economy, healthcare, and handicrafts, aligning with labor market demands to create sustainable employment opportunities.

Dr. Ruba Jaradat emphasized the strategic selection of occupations under this initiative, stating, “The occupations targeted under this initiative were carefully selected to address the needs of the labor market and create viable employment opportunities. A crucial aspect of this project is the important linkage with the private sector, which bridges the gap between skills development and industry requirements.”

Ms. Alessandra Viezzer lauded the graduates, saying, “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates! Your hard work and determination have brought you here. As you embark on your professional journeys, remember that the skills and knowledge you have gained are invaluable. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, continue to learn and grow, and be the driving force for positive change in your communities.”

Mr. Sayed Bou Francis highlighted the alignment of the project with the Directorate's objective to prepare young individuals professionally and technically through advanced educational curricula. He stressed the importance of enhancing the quality of training courses in collaboration with development partners to meet the current and future needs of the labor market.

Khaled Hannouf, the Programme Manager at the Safadi Foundation, underscored the project's role in empowering youth with essential skills for the labor market, improving their economic well-being, fostering social inclusion, and enhancing the organization's vocational empowerment capabilities.

The ceremony featured five short documentaries showcasing training programs in food manufacturing, healthcare, solar energy system installation, industrial sewing, and industrial machinery operation.

Hajj Nazih Zeitouneh, President of Zeitouneh Garment Factory, praised the project for supplying the labor market with skilled workers and stressed the importance of continuing similar training projects for Lebanon's industrial sector.

Graduate representative Ms. Nadine Al-Aisha expressed her gratitude for the health assistant training program conducted at Haikal Hospital, highlighting how it enhanced her abilities in patient care and practical skills for real-world applications.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates, marking a significant step towards their integration into the labor market and contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities.