Jul, 2024
With Support From UNICEF, Young People in Lebanon Are Gaining the Skills They Need To Find Dignified Work
Wafaa embodies the transformative power of learning and skills building, even in the face of daunting challenges. Born in Syria, the brutal civil war began while she was still a young child. Wafaa's aspirations for higher education seemed out of reach. However, her determination and resilience have taken her far, with support from opportunities created by Anera and UNICEF.
Arriving in Lebanon at the age of 10, Wafaa faced the harsh reality of being denied entry to the school system due to her lack of prior formal education. She was only identified at the age of 17 years through a UNICEF outreach campaign and vulnerability assessment where she embarked on a literacy course with Anera as a first step.
"I had hopes and dreams of higher education back then," Wafaa recalls. "Unfortunately, being born during challenging times in Syria, my parents did not enroll me in any school."
Through Anera's UNICEF-supported basic math and literacy program, Wafaa learned some of the basic educational skills that she had missed out on. Building upon this success, she pursued a three-month competency-based training sewing course also offered by Anera and UNICEF, seeking a pathway to a career.
"Being born during challenging times in Syria, my parents did not enroll me in any school."
"In addition to the literacy and sewing courses, I participated in a life skills course and the functional literacy program," Wafaa says. "These courses provided me with vocational skills but also helped me grow as a person. I’m more sociable now, and have acquired stronger communication skills."
All of Wafaa’s efforts have paid off, culminating in her landing a job utilizing her skills: employment at Beiruty Shop in Saida, following the cash-for-work period of her course.
Her dedication to learning and hard work had not gone unnoticed. "They selected me for this position because they recognized my passion for sewing, as well as my skills and hard work," Wafaa says. "I approached the course with dedication, and this led them to see me as a diligent worker who was eager to secure the job."
Now at the age of 18, Wafaa continues to pursue her dreams with determination. Following the completion of the initial sewing course and the cash-for-work (internship) phase, she eagerly enrolled in the advanced training offered by Anera and UNICEF. This advanced course promises to further refine her sewing skills, equipping her with freehand design drawing, crocheting, embroidery, and more.
"They selected me for this position because they recognized my passion for sewing, as well as my skills and hard work."
Looking ahead, Wafaa remains optimistic about her future. "I dream that one day I’ll be a famous fashion designer with my own line and workshop," she says. "All that I believe is that great days are ahead of me!".
Wafaa's journey exemplifies the resilience and potential within every individual, regardless of their circumstances. With her perseverance and commitment, Wafaa has undertaken a total of four courses with the support of Anera and UNICEF that shaped her life and enabled her to go after her dreams.
Through education and vocational training, Anera and UNICEF are empowering individuals like Wafaa to realize their dreams and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
"I dream that one day I’ll be a famous fashion designer."
This program is supported by UNICEF, with funding from the German Government through KfW Development Bank
Lebanon
South Governorate
The South Governorate of Lebanon is a beautiful place with white beaches, archeological ruins, bustling old souks, fertile fields of citrus and banana trees, and a deep history. Its residents are from different religions: Shia and Sunni Muslims, Druze, Eastern Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant, and Greek Catholic Christians. Its biggest cities are also the third and fourth largest in the country, Saida and Tyre.
