As the Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training (LOST) continues to run the Food for Assets (FFA) project in Baalbeck-Hermel, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), young participants, such as 18-year old Jad (alias) are obtaining opportunities to generate income. The FFA project aims at increasing the livelihood and resilience levels of people in Baalbeck-Hermel through support of the agriculture sector. The project targets three areas in agriculture: irrigation canals, drainage canals, and forestation.
Being the eldest among his six siblings (three brothers, and three sisters), Jad carries many responsibilities on his shoulders. When Jad’s father fell ill, he was required to work hard, in an effort to provide for the family instead of his father. For that reason, and due to his family’s financial strain, he was not able to enroll in college, since his father is a farmer and earns very low income to accommodate the entire family’s needs. As Jad began working on the construction of irrigation canals in Bouday, as part of the FFA project, he was able to save some money, and he used that money to enroll in college. Also, due to the experience he gained from working, he was able to obtain a part-time job after participating in the project, which is assisting him in pulling his own weight in the family.
Similar to Jad’s triumph, many vulnerable participants are able to benefit from the FFA project, where they will be able to generate income for themselves and their families, which can contribute to their short term food security. Additionally, these individuals can later carry on the experience they gained to obtain better job opportunities, which will create a better living for them.
