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30 SEP 2024Safadi Foundation and LAU Expand Nursing Scholarship Program to Empower students from North Lebanon.
This life – changing initiative provides a joint full educational scholarship to young underprivileged students, particularly targeting those from Tripoli and its surrounding areas, enabling them to pursue their studies at LAU's Jbeil campus.
The program, made possible through the dedicated efforts of LAU President Dr. Michel Mouawad and Safadi Foundation’s Founder and President Mr. Mohammad Safadi, aims to award up to 30 scholarships annually over the next three years to deserving students from both public and private schools. In its first year, 11 applicants successfully passed LAU’s English Entrance Exam out of the 14 who expressed interest in the program and were offered a free intensive English course led by professionals at Safadi Foundation.
This partnership underscores a strong commitment to empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. It provides them with the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing, one of the most in – demand professions globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects a global shortage of 5.7 million nurses by 2030, highlighting the critical need for such initiatives.
The Nursing Program at LAU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recognized internationally, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in nursing, both in Lebanon and abroad.
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30 SEP 2024Empowering Futures: 80 Graduates Celebrate Success in ILO supported Work - Based Learning Program
Safadi Foundation has successfully completed its Work-Based Learning Program, supported by the ILO’s Skill – Up Project, funded by the Norwegian Development Agency for Cooperation (NORAD), and the ENABLE project funded by the European Union (EU). This program was specifically designed to create valuable livelihood opportunities for individuals from underprivileged communities in Tripoli and Akkar. Eighty trainees have graduated from this impactful initiative, which was implemented in partnership with the private sector in various high – demand fields: Assistant Healthcare, Agri – Food Processing, Industrial Sewing, Industrial Machine Operation, and Solar PV Systems Installation.
The graduation ceremony, held on July 18th at Safadi Center, was graced by distinguished guests: Dr. Ruba Jradat, Regional Director for Arab Countries at the ILO; Ms. Alessandra Viezzer, Director of the Cooperations’ Department at the European Union’s Embassy; and Mr. Sayed Bou Francis, representing her excellency Dr. Hanadi Berri, Director General of Vocational and Technical Education, alongside representatives from the private sector and Safadi Foundation’s leadership and staff.
By equipping participants with hands – on, practical experience through fieldwork and essential literacy training, including computer and English proficiency, as well as job readiness skills, nearly 60% of trainees have secured employment in their respective industries!
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30 SEP 2024AIDA Project: Upskilling Farmers in Akkar and Dinnyeh for a Sustainable Agricultural Future
In partnership with AIDA and funded by the Spanish Development Agency, farmers across Akkar and Dinnyeh are undergoing transformative upskilling courses aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the agricultural food industry in the region. This initiative, which has already delivered several impactful trainings, is empowering local farmers with modern techniques and sustainable practices that are vital for the future of agriculture in Lebanon.
The project began with an in-depth assessment of the skills needed for sustainable agricultural practices, followed by the development of selection criteria to identify the most suitable farmers for the program. After completing the training, participants will be monitored for a period of 6 to 8 months to track their progress and ensure the implementation of the newly acquired skills. At the end of this period, top-performing farmers will be awarded in-kind grants to further support the development of their farms and enhance their skills.
Through these courses, participants are gaining critical knowledge in areas such as Organic Agriculture, GAP and IPM, Harvesting and Post Harvesting courses, Fruits & Vegetables' Processing, . The initiative emphasizes not only increasing productivity but also reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture, ensuring long-term food security in these rural areas.
By investing in the education and development of farmers, this program is not only boosting the livelihoods of local communities but also contributing to the resilience of the entire agricultural sector.
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30 SEP 2024Safadi Foundation Powers Ministry of Labor with Solar Energy with the support of the international Labor's Organization and the participation of Solar PV Systems' Installation program graduates
In a major step towards promoting sustainable energy in Lebanon, the Safadi Foundation has successfully installed a Solar PV system at the Lebanese Ministry of Labor in collaboration within the International Labor’s Organization’s Project PROSPECT. This initiative provides the Ministry with clean, renewable energy, significantly reducing its energy costs and contributing to environmental sustainability.
What makes this project particularly impactful is that the skilled workers selected to install the system are graduates of the solar upskilling training courses previously implemented by the Safadi Foundation with the support of the ILO. These individuals, equipped with quality solar technology knowledge, are now applying their expertise to drive Lebanon's transition to renewable energy.
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03 DEC 2024"Nursing Scholarships" Program by Safadi Foundation and LAU Jbeil University Kicks Off Orientation for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
For the third year in a row, and within the framework of the nursing scholarship program launched by the Safadi Foundation in cooperation with the Lebanese American University (LAU), which aims to provide university scholarships to students of Tripoli and the North wishing to specialize in nursing, the Foundation launched last Thursday the first orientation sessions with the participation of dozens of students from various Tripoli public and private high schools, who attended to learn more details about the program, most notably the criteria that they must enjoy to benefit from the grants. During the session, the importance of following the course dedicated to strengthening them in English was also stressed in preparation for the entrance exam that they are obliged to take at the university. This session is one of a series of consecutive sessions in which students will participate successively before expressing their absolute desire to participate and thus embark on the next steps.
It should be noted that this program, which fully covers the cost of educating selected students, offers the opportunity specifically to students with advanced scientific competencies during their year.
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16 DEC 2024AIDA Program: Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable Agricultural Future
In partnership with AIDA Spanish program and funded by the Spanish Agency for Development, farmers from across Akkar and Dinnieh are undergoing transformative training courses aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the agri-food industry in the region. This initiative, launched through a series of trainings, empowers local farmers with modern techniques and sustainable practices that are vital for the future of agriculture in Lebanon.
The project began with a thorough assessment of the skills required for sustainable agricultural practices, followed by the development of selection criteria to identify the most suitable farmers for the program. After completing the training, participants will be monitored for a period of 6 to 8 months to track their progress and ensure the implementation of newly acquired skills. At the end of this period, top-performing farmers will receive in-kind grants to support the development of their farms and further enhance their skills.
In addition to strengthening farmers capacities, the project aims to establish a specialized unit for baby food production through courses providing trainees with expertise in organic farming, food processing, harvesting and post-harvest practices, and integrated pest management.
This initiative not only strives to improve the quality and increase the productivity of agricultural output but also aims to minimize the negative environmental impact of farming, ensuring long-term food security in these rural areas.
The AIDA program also includes educational and awareness courses on solar energy installation, emphasizing its importance in providing electricity within environmentally sustainable frameworks.
By investing in the capacity building of Akkar’s residents, this program enhances the livelihoods of local communities while contributing to the resilience of the entire agricultural sector.
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18 DEC 2024Safadi Foundation Launches a Second Solar Energy Installation Project in Partnership with the International Labor Organization for Several Public Schools and Institutes
Following the successful completion of the solar energy installation project for the Ministry of Labor, implemented by the Safadi Foundation in partnership with the International Labour Organization as part of its PROSPECTS initiative aimed at providing clean and renewable energy, the foundation has launched a second project. This new initiative focuses on installing solar energy systems for a number of public schools and institutes.
The implementation of the first phase has already begun with two agricultural schools in Abdeh, Akkar, and Fanar, with plans to extend the work to other schools progressively, in coordination with the organization and various relevant ministries.
As with the first project, the installations are being carried out by technicians trained through previous hands-on solar energy training programs conducted by the Safadi Foundation. These individuals, equipped with expertise in solar technology, are now applying their knowledge to support Lebanon's transition to renewable energy.
The Ministry of Labor congratulated Safadi Foundation on this project, which contributed to providing sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity to the ministry.
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23 DEC 2024Answering the Call of Humanitarian Duty: The Safadi Foundation Adjusts Vocational Training Programs to Provide Immediate Relief for Displaced Individuals While Enhancing Community Skills Across Various Fields
Since the onset of the devastating conflict in Lebanon, which forced over 1.3 million citizens to seek refuge in shelter centers across safer regions, the Safadi Foundation has stepped up to address the dual challenge of immediate relief and long-term resilience. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the foundation swiftly adapted its vocational training programs to serve displaced individuals while focusing on developing the skills of the trainees.
These training courses, spanning a variety of fields, were designed not only to provide immediate humanitarian relief but also to equip participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise needed to enter the labor market. By combining relief efforts with vocational education, the Safadi Foundation has empowered individuals to move forward in their lives, fostering a sense of independence and opening pathways to sustainable employment opportunities
With support from the International Labor Organization, the foundation provided hands-on training in preparing hot meals, covering every step from planning to execution. These meals were distributed daily to displaced families, with approximately 1,200 meals reaching 660 families. Hayat, a trainee specializing in hospitality, expressed her delight at mastering new culinary techniques under the guidance of a professional chef. She highlighted her improved efficiency in cutting and preparing large quantities of ingredients, a valuable enhancement to her professional skill set.
Beyond hot meal preparation, participants explored transforming yogurt into various types of cheese and creating desserts and pastries. These sessions were designed to help trainees develop skills that could support entrepreneurial endeavors. Amina Harmoush, a displaced participant from southern Lebanon, shared her enthusiasm for cooking, which inspired her to join the program. She described the experience as a promising first step toward a career in the culinary arts, having acquired essential knowledge and techniques.
Recognizing the importance of maximizing resources, the program also offered specialized training in food processing. Participants learned everything from testing ingredients to proper preservation methods. Basel Abdallah, a trainee, was surprised to discover the potential of turning various fruits into jams, which reshaped his understanding of food processing. He viewed the training as a foundation for launching a small-scale business with long-term growth potential.
Additionally, some participants received training in beverage preparation, focusing on creating non-alcoholic drinks through a comprehensive, start-to-finish process.
The program also extended its scope to health assistance, offering trainees thorough guidance in caregiving. Under professional supervision, participants supported elderly and vulnerable individuals in shelters, addressing both physical and psychological challenges exacerbated by the harsh conditions of displacement.
Hala Fattal, the project’s training coordinator, emphasized the holistic approach of the Safadi Foundation. By adapting its vocational programs, the foundation not only equips participants with marketable skills but also provides vital support during crises. “We carefully and compassionately meet the urgent needs of displaced families while empowering individuals to build a better future,” Fattal affirmed.
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31 DEC 2024Safadi Meets Nursing Scholarship Students at LAU:
Following the completion of their first semester, Mr. Mohammad Safadi, Chairman of the Safadi Foundation, met with students benefiting from the university scholarship program specializing in nursing at LAU Jbeil. The event, held at the foundation, was attended by Mr. Safadi, the students, their families, professors, and contributors to the program’s success.
The event began with a speech by program coordinator Hasan Hannouf, who highlighted the importance of nursing in today’s world, especially given the increasing demand for it amid Lebanon’s and the region’s current challenges. He expressed gratitude to everyone who made this program a reality.
Student speeches followed, beginning with Ahmed Itr, who thanked Mr. Safadi for the initiative that made their dreams attainable. He acknowledged the challenges of starting a new journey but emphasized that strong determination can overcome obstacles and lead to success. Serine Saadieh also addressed the audience, describing nursing as a demanding yet rewarding field and urging her peers to focus on self-improvement to achieve their goals.
In his address, Mr. Safadi described nursing as a noble and humanitarian profession that offers diverse opportunities, enabling students to follow their passions. He encouraged the students to use their education and qualifications to serve Lebanon, noting that their multilingual skills position them as strong candidates for collaboration with international university hospitals.
The event concluded with the students presenting Mr. Safadi with a bouquet of flowers as a gesture of appreciation. An informal discussion followed, where Mr. Safadi, the students, and their families’ shared reflections on their experiences and the challenges ahead.
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06 FEB 2025Orientation and Guidance Session for Assistant Chef beneficiaries: Joined Safadi Foundation as a beneficiary, Returned as a Professional Chef
As part of its implementation of the work-based training program for Assistant Chefs, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the ENABLE program funded by the European Union, and the SKILL UP program funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Safadi Foundation conducted an orientation and guidance session for new participating beneficairies . The session was attended by Ms. Joy Daher, Skills, Employment, and Resilience Program Officer at the ILO’s ENABLE program, Mr. Khaled Hanouf, Programs Director at the Safadi Foundation, and the foundation’s team members.
The session started with a speech by program coordinator Hala Fattal, who addressed the beneficairies , emphasizing that success requires commitment, effort, and sacrifice. She highlighted that the path to success is filled with challenges that individuals can overcome through resilience and perseverance. She also underscored the essential role played by Safadi Foundation in supporting young people by equipping them with skills that facilitate their integration into the labor market.
Following the screening of video clips summarizing the professional training received by young men and women in the culinary field, Chef Mohammad Al-Abdallah shared his inspiring journey. Al-Abdallah joined the Safadi Foundation in 2018 as a trainee and later returned as a professional chef after working abroad for several years. Now a chef at Al-Mazloum Hospital in Lebanon, he recounted the obstacles he faced and how they transformed into stepping stones for success. He encouraged his fellow trainees to pursue their dreams and ambitions without yielding to hardships, viewing challenges as motivators for growth and achievement.
Ms. Daher also addressed the trainees, urging them to seize every opportunity available, assess its value, and remain open to different offers, as each experience contributes to enhancing their skills and career development.
The session concluded with a reception featuring an assortment of desserts prepared by the trainees, applying the guidance and skills they had acquired during their training.
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18 FEB 2025Safadi Foundation Graduates Eighty New Trainees As Part of the Second Phase of the Work-Based Training Program
Within the framework of the International Labour Organization’s EU-funded ENABLE and SOLIFEM programs and the Skill-Up program, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation NORAD, Safadi Foundation hosted a graduation ceremony for 80 participants who took part in a work-based learning project implemented in northern Lebanon.
The ceremony was held at the Safadi Cultural Center on 18 February 2025 and was attended by Mr. Said Bou Francis, Head of Vocational Training, representing the Director General of Vocational and Technical Education Dr. Hanadi Berri, along with Mr. Cyril Dewalan, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the European Union, Mr. Frederico Parotta, Chief Technical Advisor at the International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms. Rania Hakim, National Project Coordinator at the ILO, Ms. Melissa Badr, National Project Coordinator at the SOLIFEM program, Mr. Bassam Al-Daya, Director of Selecta Company, Mr. Khaled Hannouf, Program Director at the Safadi Foundation, as well as several school and institute directors.
The work-based learning project, which ran from October till December 2024, provided 80 individuals with industry-relevant skills to successfully transition into the job market. The training courses focused on 6 key occupations: pastry production, dairy production, non-alcoholic beverage production, agrifood, kitchen assistants, and healthcare assistants. These sectors were identified based on a needs assessment conducted in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, ensuring alignment with labour market demands.
Mr. Khaled Hannouf, Program Director at the Safadi Foundation, outlined In his address, the different phases of the program, key modifications made in response to the crisis, and how trainees were allocated across various training courses to maximize employment opportunities.
During the ceremony, Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne emphasized “We are proud to support this project which is part of a more significant effort. Between 2023 and 2026, the EU is investing €20 million in vocational training, job creation, and social entrepreneurship in Lebanon. We believe that practical training, like the one here, is key to finding decent work and helping families secure a better future.”
Mr. Federico Barroeta remarked: "Throughout this project, the ILO has remained committed to providing technical guidance to harmonize work-based learning approaches across the country and equip Lebanon’s workforce with the skills demanded by the economy. This work is essential to provide job opportunities for achieving our ultimate goal of transitioning to labour market and achieve our ultimate goal of ensure the socioeconomic inclusion for excluded populations and not leaving anybody behind"
Similarly, Mr. Said Bou Francis highlighted “There is a need to raise awareness about the importance of vocational education in society and to change the negative perceptions associated with it.From here, we call on all international organizations to support vocational education through an investment portfolio to include vocational education in the TREF fund, especially since some donors had shown their support before the war, and we are ready to resume work on it.”
From the provate sectot Mr. Bassam Al-Daya, Director of Selecta Company gave a speech highlighting the professional training steps the trainees underwent in dairy product preparation and the noticeable professional growth observed among them in a short period.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, a representative expressed deep gratitude to the Safadi Foundation and its partners for providing an opportunity to develop new skills and enter the job market with enhanced professional capabilities.
The event also featured six short documentary films showcasing the training programs, giving attendees an in-depth look at the hands-on learning experiences of the graduates.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates, recognizing their dedication and accomplishments.
This initiative reinforces the power of vocational training in fostering sustainable employment opportunities and equipping individuals with practical skills to navigate a challenging job market. It stands as a testament to the role of skills development in enhancing economic resilience and creating pathways for a brighter future.
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09 APR 2025Safadi Receives Minister of Social Affairs Haneen El Sayed in Akkar Both Confirm Cooperation for the Benefit of the Region and Its People
Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen El Sayed, visited Safadi Center for Rural Development in Deir Dalloum, Akkar, where she was received by the President of Safadi Foundation, Mr. Mohammad Safadi. In attendance were also Mr. Federico Barrotta, Senior Technical Advisor at the International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms. Joy Daher, Head of the Skills, Employment, and Resilience Program within the ENABLE initiative at the ILO, Ms. Manal Al-Sahmarani, Head of the Social Affairs Department in Akkar, along with several ministry and center staff members.
The visit began with a luncheon hosted by Safadi in honor of Minister El Sayed, during which discussions focused on Akkar and the numerous challenges faced by the region and its residents, as well as ways to address them in a manner that put Akkar’s place on Lebanon’s development map.
Minister El Sayed reaffirmed her commitment to continuous coordination with ministry offices across various regions in order to follow up on the needs and concerns of citizens. Safadi, for his part, highlighted the intense competition faced by Lebanese laborers, particularly in the agricultural sector, due to the influx of non-Lebanese workers. He expressed hope that the coming period would bring signs of stability on all levels.
Barrotta also presented the various programs that the ILO is implementing in partnership with local actors, aimed at equipping young men and women with additional skills across a range of fields.
Then, the delegation toured the different sections of the center, where Minister El Sayed was briefed by staff and supervisors on the various food products being produced using both traditional and modern methods. She praised the center for providing numerous job opportunities for both women and men.