In cooperation with UNICEF, DOT, and INJAZ, The Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST) set up two “Innovation labs” which are educational facilities that are equipped with multi-purpose learning and working centers for encouragement of youth. It is accessible to 2,000 marginalized youth between the ages of 14 and 24 years old. In the Innovation Labs, youth have the opportunity to develop their digital skills and entrepreneurship skills.
On May 12th, 2017, 50 youth from the villages of Ein and Bednayel graduated at LOST’s main branch in Baalback. The graduates presented their projects to an assessment committee to be scored with the possibility to incubate and grant it up to 2,000 USD in cooperation with INJAZ. The projects varied in subjects and aims such as “at home car wash”, “social development”, “success clothes”, “plants of happiness”, and “second house”. These projects were based on the skills and knowledge acquired by the students, where they took the opportunity from the innovation lab to further develop their skills and put them into good use for themselves and the community.
In addition, 50 other youth from Ein and Bednayel graduated in their respective LOST centers on the 18th and 26th of May, 2017. They finished their digital skills training in cooperation with DOT, which was focused on Office programs, web management, and mobile application. These trainings built capacities of youth participants and widened their knowledge in these subjects, which will ensure their self-reliance and dependence.