Since the outbreak of war in neighbouring Syria, over 1.5 million Syrian people have sought shelter in Lebanon. The small country of 6 million residents also plays host to nearly 500,000 Palestinian refugees. SPARK supports the most vulnerable, marginalised youth in Lebanon to continue their higher (vocational) education and find legal employment. Job opportunities are scarce, even for young Lebanese people (youth unemployment is over 35%), but laws prevent refugee communities from entering certain employment fields. We aim to break the cycle of aid dependence that refugees face by providing courses relevant to rebuilding their home countries or access to the labour market.
Programmes in this location
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active programme
Access to Education for Employment
SPARK, the Islamic Development Bank and the Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society support Syrian youth in Syrian Interim Government…
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active programme
Higher Education Services (HES)
SPARK is the largest provider of scholarships for Syrian refugees in the Middle East. The HES programme started by responding…
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active programme
Internships and work for Syrian youth
SPARK and the Dutch National Postcode Lottery are creating new routes for youth to enter employment or entrepreneurship.
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active programme
Market-driven Curriculum for Education and Jobs
Our programme with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development develops new curricula, boosts entrepreneurship and places 150 student…
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active programme
Tadamon
The Tadamon programme, supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) aims to contribute to the immediate and medium-term efforts to…
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active programme
Tech for Inclusivity
With a grant from Google.org, SPARK and its local partners will boost the digital skills of refugees in Lebanon, Iraq…
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inactive programme
Entrepreneurship and Business Development Activities (EBDA)
EBDA, meaning ‘begin’ in Arabic, supports Syrian entrepreneurship in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan by guiding young Syrian refugees to start…
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inactive programme
Safeguarding MSMEs during COVID-19
SPARK and SANAD are helping to safeguard jobs by supporting MSMEs to survive or expand in Tunisia, Palestine and Lebanon.

“I want to be a role model for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon”
Despite growing up in the tough living conditions in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, Jihad Mousa, 24-year-old, is now employed and working to become a teacher. “I picture myself teaching in universities and colleges with my PhD and second Master's degree in Media. I want to be a role model for Palestinian refugees, motivating and inspiring them to work hard for their future .”
- Location
- Lebanon
- Services
- Internships

“Education is everything, it’s the key to a new life”
Rasha Rifai, 25, comes from Damascus in Syria. As an only child, she is the sole breadwinner for her family. Her job has substantially improved the family’s financial situation.
- Location
- Lebanon
- Services
- Scholarships

“GuideMe – a new way to study during COVID-19”
With the support of hired digital developers, Haddad launched his new company, GuideMe, this week. It is a student-led initiative, where academic high-achievers offer support to their fellow undergraduates.
- Location
- Lebanon
- Services
- Scholarships

“GuideMe – a new way to study during COVID-19”
With the support of hired digital developers, Haddad launched his new company, GuideMe, this week. It is a student-led initiative, where academic high-achievers offer support to their fellow undergraduates.
- Location
- Lebanon
- Services
- Scholarships

“Aleppo soap sales soar during COVID-19”
Former scholarship student, Nowar Rahmouni, recently graduated from the Lebanese International University in Beirut. After attending several economic empowerment workshops, Nowar established a small soap business selling organic, handmade products from Aleppo, Syria.
- Location
- Lebanon
- Services
- Business Support Centres
Opening pathways to employment
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2400Scholarships Provided
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1653Youth Trained
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1079Received Student Services
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1667Youth Graduated