Wednesday, March 22nd, executive board members from UNICEF, accompanied by Mrs. Tanya Chapuisat, UNICEF Lebanon’s representative visited Howsh Al Dahab Informal Settlment (IS), for the purpose of observing the Learning and Skills project that is being implemented by the Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training, in partnership with UNICEF. The Learning and Skills project offers a unique set of skills to beneficiaries, through several programs, which they will be able to carry with them for life. In addition, it aims at training young individuals on life skills that prepare them to respond to significant life events, and to rely on themselves in a changing society.
The delegation met with Mr. Assem Chreif, manager of the Life and Skills project at LOST, where he briefed them on LOST’s programs, the context of Baalbeck-Hermel, and what LOST is doing in partnership with UNICEF to relieve struggles in the area. A focus group discussion composed of 10 students (5 Syrians and 5 Lebanese) who have been through the Competency Based Skills (CBS) courses was conducted, in which three of the students stated that they are now employed because of the courses. The CBS training provides youth with competency and vocational training services, in an effort to grant them employment opportunities. Ibrahim Siblani, a 22-year old participant in the focus group, excitedly stated, “after taking 52 hours of phone maintenance training, I had the opportunity to open my own phone shop in Bouday, and I am now welcoming many customers, due to the fact that there is no competition in the area”. Four other students explained that they are currently pursuing employment through the skills they acquired in the CBS courses.
After the meeting, the delegation attended an IST (Individual and Social Skills Training), which is based on the twelve core skills set by UNICEF. The curriculum of this class was designed at LOST, and it is based on activities and skills acquirement through the activities. The delegation showed great interest in the new idea, and asked if the program can be expanded. In addition, the delegation visited a BLN (Basic Literacy and Numeracy) class, where they had the chance to sit down with the students, ask about what they’re learning, their interests, and hobbies. The BLN class also teaches youth the minimum learning skills required to either join formal education or to become employable. Students were also asked about their ability to participate in other programs, and their hindrance to go back to school at this age (over 14 years), and how they can alleviate such hindrances.
In conclusion, the delegation gained a lot of useful information from their visit, which can be beneficial in orienting the programs towards the needs of youth. This visit was also beneficial in learning about the obstacles that youth are facing, which may prevent them from going back to school, and how these obstacles can be overcome. As illustrated in this visit and in previous visits, LOST’s partnership with UNICEF continues to create success among underprivileged youth.
