SPARK concluded 2023 by celebrating the graduation of more than 350 students who from the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP) in Lebanon – which is financed by the Islamic Development Bank and Abdul Aziz al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. The event was held at Rabita Sakafieh Auditorium in Tripoli, Lebanon. Many representatives from both the public and private sectors, and partner universities including Lebanese University, Beirut Arab University, University of AZM, Lebanese International University, and University of Tripoli, were in attendance. Also present were representatives from economic entities, partner companies, and the proud parents of the accomplished graduates, for Syrian, Palestinian, and Lebanese youth.

The graduating students were part of the STEP programme, a widening access programme that collaborates with young people from across Lebanon and Jordan, which have the highest unemployment rates in the Middle East. Over the programme period, which consisted of 35 bootcamps, a total of 395 students enrolled and 208 students successfully attended the programme. As an outcome, 128 students secured internships, and 68 students secured paid employment. 

The ceremony commenced by Mira Chami, representing the graduates, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude for the invaluable skills acquired during the project and the opportunities it provided for entering the labuor

Mahmoud Said, the Programme Manager at Almoltaqa and Chairman of the Lebanese Association of Programmers, expressed appreciation for the collaboration of various stakeholders, ranging from universities and economic entities to institutions, professors, trainers, and employees. Said reflected on the establishment of partnerships with active universities and economic entities, including the successful launch of the HimmaBI business incubator, represented pivotal moments in the programme’s development.

Said outlined key achievements, such as the completion of a comprehensive study on the labour market’s needs, achieved through collaboration with over 1,200 institutions and companies. Additionally, he highlighted the successful training of more than 250 university students across seven specialisations essential for meeting the demands of the labour market.

Jad Wehbe, the Country Manager of SPARK Office in Lebanon, expressed gratitude towards project sponsors and collaborators, underlining the significant impact of the project on students, graduates, and the labor market in Lebanon. He underscored SPARK’s dedication to such programmes that contribute to peace and stability in regions facing conflict.

At the recent of the graduation ceremony, the student graduates were invited to the stage to receive their certificates from representatives of both SPARK and Almoltaqa. Additionally, shields of honor were distributed to recognise and appreciate the vital contributions of participating and organising entities, including the efforts of experts and trainers.