Providing youth with an opportunity to learn and create is among the several factors that the Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST), in partnership with UNICEF continuously strives for in the Learning and Skills program for youth. The Learning and Skills program offers youth many opportunities to enhance their skills, which can make a difference in their everyday lives. The life skills that they learn in this program allow them to function effectively in a changing world, and to survive in difficult circumstances.
Among the several programs that are being implemented within this project is the Competency Based Skills (CBS) training, which teaches youth cognitive and instrumental skills. The aim of this training is to provide youth with the necessary vocational skills to make them employable in society. In Chmestar, youth are acquiring knitting skills, as part of the CBS training. The participants showed great enthusiasm to learn knitting, and they are quickly improving. For this reason, LOST made a deal with seven talented students, in which 150 knitted products (hats, gloves, scarves, etc) were purchased from them, and were later distributed in Chmestar on Mother’s Day.
“I did not know how to knit prior to participating in this training; Now I know how to hold a crotchet hook and yarn, and I can knit things such as a dress and a hat”, one of the participants indicated, when asked about what she gained from the knitting class. The same participant further explained that she is able to sell her items to her neighbors and community members, for extra income. Another participant stated that learning how to knit was a “personal gain” to her. Furthermore, CBS participants from Baalbeck who made knitting items such as hats, gloves, etc. will have their items distributed to vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian beneficiaries at LOST’s Nehna La Baad center.
Through the CBS courses, participants were able to acquire skills that they can put into use in their everyday lives. Almost all of the participants agreed that it is essential to learn how to knit. According to one of the participants, “Knitting does not end in basic knowledge; it is a wide learning field, and I wish to continue in these courses”. A few other participants explained that they are now able to teach knitting to their neighbors and community members, to benefit them as well.