The Competency Based Skills (CBT) program, as a part of the “Skills for Active Youth” project, aims at increasing access of Lebanese and non-Lebanese youth to technical and vocational training and innovative skills building programs for improved professional readiness and employability. The weak economic and social situation in Lebanon, and in Beqaa in particular, has been the case for years, but ever since the Syrian crisis started, all sectors were massively affected. The labour market is no longer sufficient compared to the huge number of graduates and youth searching for jobs, in addition to the huge gap between market demands and the supplied majors. This project that targets more than 3,200 youth in the Baalbeck-Hermel region, aims at decreasing the burdens of living by providing market-connected skills classes (sewing, gastronomy, construction, photography, IT, agriculture, etc) that increases the opportunity of youth finding jobs and thus maintaining dignified lives.
Omar Fleety is a 22-year-old young man who lives in Baalbeck with his mother, two sisters, and his four brothers. His father, who got married to another woman and quit his responsibilities, works as a daytime taxi driver in the neighbourhood with an income that barely covers the family’s basic needs. The family’s economic situation was very difficult, and as a result, Omar could not continue his education and stopped attending any classes at the age of 14. For a young man with dreams living with economic and social struggles that are likely to be nightmares, options were few and the situation was critical. Omar was one of the very first people to register in the construction class being provided by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) in coordination with UNICEF as part of the Competency Based Training project. His friend who learned about the project encouraged him to give it a try, for perhaps it can be the start to a new dignified phase of his life.
Although at first the classes were completely new to him, Omar was very optimistic and dedicated to learn the profession as perfectly as he could. The whole course was an opportunity that can change his situation, especially with no school certificate in hand which prevented him from applying to most of the jobs in the market. This construction class that was being implemented in one of LOST’s centers in the Baalbeck-Hermel region was an opportunity for Omar along with many other ambitious youth who were striving for such initiatives in the underserved Beqaa region. Throughout three months, Omar improved very fast as he acquired many new professional skills. Moreover, students could implement and practice all the skills learned as they used to work on tiny projects (repairing fences, fixing and improving walls and sidewalks in the nearby villages), as a combination of practical implementation and community service at once. Right after Omar completed the 3-month training with excellence, he was recruited among 10 other people to work as a daily construction worker for 25 dollars per day, as part of the “Cash for Work” project being implemented by LOST, and funded by the World Food Program (WFP). Being one of the best workers on site, Omar was given extra tasks and responsibilities, in addition to being chosen as the foreman assistant for months. The young man’s journey did not stop there, he insisted on joining his teacher on the projects he oversees, and that was how he continued to improve his expertise and became a professional builder. Omar stated, “I have always been a man with dreams and faith, but the door to improving my life was always closed. I had to take responsibility of my mother and siblings at an early age, and I have searched for a job for a whole year non-stop. The field of construction was a mixture of hard work, art, and imagination. Such initiatives are all what we, youth, are looking for”.
Omar has come a long way since he first attended the construction classes. He has learned about block building, construction materials, installations, and most importantly to appreciate all kinds of jobs and believe in himself. It is worth mentioning that Omar has been practising with a few friends on martial arts for a while, for he has been passionate about it since childhood. Moreover, after finishing the construction course, Omar’s fitness improved, his physical power increased, as well as his mental and psychological health as a result of the stability and hope the course provided. Today, Omar has his own projects that he oversees and accomplishes. Being a young man and a new entrant to the field of construction, but skilled at the same time has brought Omar a strong reputation over the region so fast. Omar now makes up to 50$ daily in times of high market demand. At last, the sustainability of such projects is achieved through empowering and supporting youth with skills that they can invest, count on, and improve when possible. Moreover, the work carried out with these youth along with their parents at many times is aimed at creating a household environment that understands and supports education, as well as empowering youth, for they are the community’s hope.
