Inter-Cultur / Development Cooperation / Lebanon / A profession for all: professional training for countryside women

Lebanon
A profession for all: professional training for countryside women

Duration
2013 – 2015

Budget
90 900 €

Beneficiaries
Women

Students preparing Ma'moul, a typical Lebanese pastries during their 400-hour long internship period. Through the internship period, the student have the chance to enhance their skills in real working environment.
↑ Students preparing Ma'moul, a typical Lebanese pastries during their 400-hour long internship period. Through the internship period, the student have the chance to enhance their skills in real working environment.
Gender equality (SDG 5)Quality education (SDG 4)Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)

Providing Professional Training in Rural Lebanon

Inter-Cultur's first project in Lebanon with local partner PRODES focused on enhancing entrepreneurship skills and job creation for women and youth in rural areas. The main goal was to empower women managing micro-businesses and orient youth towards effective specializations, particularly in hospitality management. This initiative aimed to professionalize local businesses, provide practical managerial skills, and foster job opportunities in marginalized communities through tailored training programs and continuous support.

The project outputs included the creation of a modular entrepreneurship training program specifically designed for rural women, comprehensive nine-month training sessions for youth, and a targeted promotion of job creation initiatives. A variety of training tools were developed, such as manuals, workbooks, business plan formats, and audiovisual materials for awareness campaigns. Over three years, PRODES conducted multiple entrepreneurship training cycles in various Lebanese cazas, organized internships in hospitality management, and maintained ongoing monitoring and coaching to ensure the effectiveness of these programs.

The results were significant, with 130 women gaining essential managerial skills and increased self-confidence, leading to some obtaining micro-credit loans to expand their businesses. The youth training resulted in 44 entrepreneurship projects, with around 60% being practically established. The promotion of hospitality careers reached 550 young girls, sparking interest in vocational training. The initiative also strengthened PRODES, enhancing their training capabilities and consolidating their role in community development. Local authorities and civil society organizations supported these efforts, resulting in signed memorandums of collaboration and plans for further expansion of the training programs.

This project has been funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Key Achievements and Outcomes:

  • The promotion of hospitality careers reached 550 young women, sparking increased interest in vocational training.
  • 44 entrepreneurship projects were developed by youth participants, with around 60% being practically established.
  • 130 women gained essential managerial skills and increased self-confidence, with some obtaining micro-credit loans to expand their businesses.

Photo gallery

The teacher with their students preparing different types of dishes in the Cooking workshop.
↑ The teacher with their students preparing different types of dishes in the Cooking workshop.
Preparing “Ma’moul” pastries in the culinary workshop of IMS.
↑ Preparing “Ma’moul” pastries in the culinary workshop of IMS.
Cooking workshop equipped with professional equipments enabling participant to have a high level training program.
↑ Cooking workshop equipped with professional equipments enabling participant to have a high level training program.
As a part of the entrepreneurship training, a student did a questionnaire about the needs of clients concerning a touristic resort in Byblos region, which she is now presenting.
↑ As a part of the entrepreneurship training, a student did a questionnaire about the needs of clients concerning a touristic resort in Byblos region, which she is now presenting.
Part of the professionalization training, PRODES offered 5 sessions of Entrepreneurship in Eibrine for around 25 women managing small businesses.
↑ Part of the professionalization training, PRODES offered 5 sessions of Entrepreneurship in Eibrine for around 25 women managing small businesses.

Countries

Bolivia

Home to the Andes mountains, Bolivia faces challenges such as poverty and environmental concerns, particularly among its indigenous populations. Our partnership with AYNI focuses on vocational training, literacy, and sustainable agriculture, aiming to empower marginalized communities and women.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, a country known for its rich indigenous heritage, we address the needs of women in disadvantaged situations through Fundación Junkabal. Our initiatives in vocational training and micro-entrepreneurship are designed to uplift women and advocate for human rights.

Kenya

Kenya's diverse landscape is the backdrop for our efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment in the country. Examples of our work include offering vocational education in Nairobi's slums through SET and Eastlands College of Technology, and improving the agricultural activities of rural women in Turkana County, both aiming to improve life quality and employment prospects with an integral formation model.

Lebanon

Lebanon, with its millennia-old heritage, navigates through profound economic crises and a significant refugee presence. In response, our partnership with PRODES and IMS is dedicated to empowering women through vocational training in hospitality, tourism, and gastronomy, equipping young women from rural areas for better prospects.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, with its dramatic volcanic landscape, faces social unrest and economic difficulties. Our work with ANDECU supports women by investing in vocational training centers and micro-business resources, empowering them to improve their income levels and overcome challenges in their families and communities.

Uganda

Uganda, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, faces socio-economic disparities and gender inequality impacting vocational education access. Partnering with COWA, we provide women and youth with vocational training and technological empowerment to boost employment opportunities and economic independence, promoting gender equality and sustainable development.