Safadi Foundation Graduates Eighty New Trainees As Part of the Second Phase of the Work-Based Training Program

Safadi 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.