A 22-year-old Lebanese girl, Ola Chabchoul, is a former participant in BINA, a vocational training center implemented by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training, in partnership with the training and development centers of the Bavarian Employer’s Association (BFZ), and the Bavarian State Government of Germany in the city of Baalbek.
Ola has always been passionate about food and cooking. Her personal ambition was to become a professional cook after getting her Brevet (9th grade) certificate, but she did not know that she can join a vocational school that provides Gastronomy classes in the region.
After her graduation, Ola learned through social media about BINA, and she signed up for a 3-month Gastronomy and Hospitality course. Ola attended all the course’s classes and poured all her passion and talent into it.
Once the course was over, Ola started considering opening her own small business and investing in the experience she gained from BINA. Within a short period of time, Ola got her own humble kiosk beside the governmental hospital at Ras-el-Ein Baalbeck, where she offered a Lebanese breakfast catering menu, and mainly the famous traditional “Mankoushi”.
Ola excitedly stated, “before learning about BINA, I thought this was hard. The courses expanded my knowledge and scope of creative thinking, and I felt the urge to start my own business after I have mastered cooking techniques and hospitality management. This made me generate income to help my parents, and I am forever thankful for BINA and LOST”.
