Among the many dedicated and strong participants, Rima is a 20-year-old girl who is enrolled in the CBT sewing training. This course is among the various trainings being offered as part of the “Skills for Active Youth” project, implemented by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), in partnership with UNICEF, extending all over Northern Beqaa, from Ersal to Bedneyel.
Rima comes from a very humble Syrian family of 7 members and is currently residing in the city of Douris in a rented house which became their only refuge after their house was destroyed during the Syrian war. Since childhood, Rima was passionate about sewing and has always dreamt to learn this profession and craftsmanship. She wanted to become a fashion designer capable of designing and sewing clothes professionally. She was always looking for someone to teach her and pave the way for her to be able to design and practice sewing so that she can rely on herself and obtain a secure income. Moreover, she was counting on her competency and her ability to find a job to be able to help her parents who got their house destroyed by the war.
Rima tried very often to learn sewing with some of the local tailors and even worked for no wage at first, but all her attempts failed. The labour market needed experience and skills altogether. In addition, modern applied equipment along with lots of experience in the field was required by all the shops she applied at.
After learning about the sewing course being provided by LOST at the BINA center in Douris, Rima joined the course and started acquiring the needed skills. She learned the art of sewing and design in theory and practice for three months. By the end of the course, Rima gained both the experience and knowledge that enabled her to work with a designer in Baalbeck named Ali Raad, and now she can rely on herself and help her family to overcome the crisis.
