The “Work Based Learning” (WBL) is a project implemented in partnership between UNICEF and the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), which targets 1,000 Syrian and Lebanese Youth aged between 18 and 27 in different training workshop topics. This program was actually launched on the first of July, 2019 and will end on the 31st of December, 2019. The participants were engaged in trainings for 2 months under the following titles: Construction, Wash and Sanitation, Environment and Forestation. Then, 50 community projects will be the outcome of the training period. The projects will be implemented by 400 chosen beneficiaries based on vulnerability criteria.
The project’s essential goal is to provide an essential source of income and a temporary job opportunity for the majority of project participants and their households in Baalbeck-Hermel. Additionally, WBL is the modality used to ensure direct cash transfer to beneficiaries securing them. Thus, an opportunity is given for them to spend cash on their prioritized needs to cater to their immediate lifesaving necessities, even if the period is limited.
The financial resources provided by WBL programming are short-term in nature, but there are other long-term impacts. Work Based Learning provides assistance not only in the form of restoration of livelihoods through economic stimulation and opportunity, but it is an impetus for affected individuals to reinvest back into the community.
Concerning social cohesion, WBL provides a mental relaxation and a reunion of communities. It contributes to mitigating tensions; this can be achieved by giving the chance for Lebanese and Syrian men and women to participate and be involved in such a project with equal opportunities. Moreover, the daily contact and communication between Lebanese and Syrian beneficiaries during 2 training months, sharing the same activities and thinking together is the most influential factor for reinforcing this cohesion.
Both beneficiaries and the community will benefit a lot from this project. The beneficiaries will gain experience and enough skills to perform a job related to infrastructure. In addition, the community projects implemented will serve the Baalbeck-Hermel community, and will have positive impacts.
Currently, the project implementation phase is in process and the beneficiaries are using all the knowledge acquired in the training period under the supervision of skilled workers. Community projects are distributed to several locations in Baalbeck-Hermel to ensure equilibrium in the services provided. The spirit of cooperation among the Lebanese and Syrian participants is the main factor of success of this project.
