Jun, 2023
Transforming the Lives of Syrian Refugees Through Agricultural Training
This program is support by UNICEF, with funding from the German Development Bank, KfW
In the face of adversity and displacement caused by the Syrian war, some Syrian refugee youth finding new opportunities to develop their job skills and improve their employment prospects in farming.
Syrian refugees face legal restrictions in Lebanon that limit their employment options to specific fields like agriculture and construction. These constraints, coupled with a history of seasonal farm labor in Lebanon even before the war in Syria, have meant that agriculture is one of the principal avenues for employment for Syrians in Lebanon.
With support from UNICEF and funding from the government of Germany through KfW Development Bank, Anera and the Michel Daher Foundation have partnered to offer an agricultural course. The course, one of Anera’s many vocational education classes supported by UNICEF, equips graduates of the program for expanded employment opportunities and, just as importantly, with the necessary education and training to give Syrian refugees greater autonomy in their work. By building upon their skills and expertise, these young people are prepared to succeed despite the many challenges they face.
Thirty Syrian youth participated in the agricultural training course to learn the fundamentals of modern farming. The course has also secured immediate employment for 20 students out of the 30, who are now full-time employees on the farm.
Ali is one of the students in the course. A 22-year-old Syrian refugee, he arrived in Lebanon in 2017. Born into a family of farmers, agriculture ran deep in Ali's veins. However, without a formal degree, finding employment proved challenging. The course revolutionized Ali's understanding of farming by introducing him to modern agricultural practices and techniques.
“Before, we used to do it in a sort of random manner,” Ali says. “Now we have learned how to be more organized and efficient when planting. We also learned about trimming and pruning trees.”
"We have learned how to be more organized and efficient when planting."
Today, Ali is one of the 20 new full-time employees at the farm. Beyond the stable income, this opportunity nurtures his dream of one day owning his patch of land to farm back in his homeland. Ali's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the transformative power of education and training.
Amal, a 19-year-old Syrian refugee, was another participant in the course. She has faced numerous challenges during her nine-year stay in Lebanon. Denied the chance to attend school, she embraced the responsibility of working to support her family. Yet she retained an ambition to deepen her mastery of agriculture.
Our agricultural course was a gateway for Amal to realize her aspirations. It equipped her with comprehensive knowledge about planting various crops and the intricate processes involved. Land preparation, soil cultivation techniques, and other essential skills became second nature to her, enriching her expertise.
“Since taking the course and engaging in our work here, I have gained valuable knowledge about planting various fruits and vegetables. I have learned about land preparation, proper soil cultivation techniques, and almost everything from the very basics to advanced practices,” Amal says.
Amal dreams of reuniting with her brother, separated from her by the ravages of war. She hopes to eventually establish a farm of her own back in Syria where they can reunite, cultivating the crops together as a family.
"I have gained valuable knowledge about planting various fruits and vegetables.”
Angie Hakim, coordinator at the Daher Foundation, explains that the course is a collaborative effort to empower Syrian refugees through training and employment opportunities. The agricultural program has been instrumental in achieving this goal. Covering a wide range of topics, including harvesting techniques for various crops and proper pruning techniques, the course has equipped participants with the essential knowledge and skills to begin their professional path.
Out of the 30 individuals who attended the training, the top 20 performers were selected for full-time employment at a workshop in the village of Ferzol, in the Zahle district in the Bekaa. Their exceptional performance and high scores reflect their dedication and commitment to the agricultural sector. This opportunity not only provides them with a stable income but also ensures their continued growth and development in the field.
The agriculture course has been a transformative experience for the Syrian refugees who participated, seeking a brighter future in Lebanon. By providing comprehensive training in modern farming techniques, this initiative has not only enabled individuals like Ali and Amal to secure employment but has also instilled hope and aspirations for the future.
Through support for initiatives like this which expand job skills, we foster more equitable economic growth and strengthen agriculture — an increasingly vital source of food for Lebanon as imports have become far more expensive.
Can we count on you today?
Your support will ensure that hope grows even in the most difficult conditions. Foster seeds of hope by donating today.
