YFD ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Annual Report 2017

Youth for Development

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

Youth for Development (YFD), a non-profit organization, was established in 2008 to empower young people and provide them with proper means to participate effectively in the community. The main purpose of establishing YFD was first to resume the implementation of the successful youth vocational training program that was originally initiated by “Norwegian People’s Aid”(NPA) back in 1984, and second to address the Palestinian young people’s needs and problems that have not been fundamentally covered by the initial youth and vocational training program. Norwegian People’s Aid, the founder of the original vocational program, had planned to become completely non-operational in 2012 and as such has already taken decisions and measures to phase out its operational programs by transferring them to local partners. YFD is the local organization that has acquired NPA’s vocational training program in addition to all the program’s tangible and intangible assets including human resources, buildings, equipment and

goodwill. YFD will use the current platform to develop the program and incorporate interventions and strategies that will focus on the needs of the young people in the community. Our youth centers are a gateway for young people to an affordable solution. They aim to give young people access to quality training and resources designed to create social and economic opportunities that can help them improve their lives. YFD’s diploma is accredited by UNRWA and convenient to the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, YFD is coordinating with Amideast to provide scholarships to our graduates and facilitate their access to other services offered by them. On the other hand, our centers are certified for the training and examination of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) program. This annual report will be highlighting the goals and ambitions of YFD turned into activates and projects in year 2017 and will inspire the plans of year 2018.

Message from the Director

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Graduation Ceremony

145 youth graduated on Sep 19th 2017 under the patronage of Her Excellency, Mrs. Lene Natasha Lind the Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon.

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Overview

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Dear friends,

As we kick start the New Year, we are pleased to share some of our accomplishments from 2017 that would have been never achieved without the hard and consistent work of our staff, the support of our partners, and the sturdiness of our donors.

The past year was very special, we have managed to enhance our developments from scaling up some of our existing projects, to starting new ones that has to do with matching labor force with the market needs to fill the employment gaps. And because vocational training alone is not enough, Youth for Development (YFD) has developed its life skills program, and merged psycho-social support through all of its projects.

Throughout 2017, YFD preserved its identity and mission towards empowering marginalized youth to improve their inclusion in the society and increase employment opportunities, and we proudly succeeded to reflect our core values such as democracy, equality, and tolerance with the work that we have achieved.

YFD’s vision extends beyond the horizon, which is, to fight for decent and fair education to the marginalized young people, and ensure that they are able to participate effectively in making decisions that influence their future.

Last but not least, my wishes for 2018 are countless. But only one sums them all up, which is staying united as a family to continue our journey towards improving the situation of youth in Lebanon.

Good job team!

Thank you,

General Director Mohammad Kassem

Message from the Director

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YFD graduation ceremony of VT classes 2016/2017 took place at the UNESCO Palace in honor of the presence of His Excellency, Palestinian Ambassador Ashraf Dabbour, on behalf of His Excellency, French Ambassador, Mrs Veronique Aulagnon, and delegations from French Embassy in Lebanon, local and international NGOs, popular committees and families of graduates. The ceremony included speeches, theatre play, dabke show, awarding trophies and diplomas.

Graduation Ceremony 2016-2017

Speeches Paid by His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Lebanon: Mr. Ashraf Dabbour

Mrs. Veronique Aulagnon on behalf of His Excellency the Ambassador of the French Republic to Lebanon Mr Khaled Yammout on behalf of Norwegian People’s Aid

Dr. Ali Hamdoun, President of Youth for Development on behalf of YFD

Speeches

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YFD director awarded trophy of honor as an APPRECIATION of outstanding solidarity and dedication for Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Lebanon: Mrs. Lene Lind His Excellency the Ambassador of the French Republic to Lebanon: Mr. Bruno Foucher His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Lebanon: Mr. Ashraf Dabbour His Excellency the General Direction of UNRWA in Lebanon: Mr. Claudio Cordone Program and Partnerships Coordinator Amel Association International: Mrs. Virginie lefevre Secretary General of the Association of Social work at the Association of Arab universities: Prof. Houda Sleem

Trophies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pANuHE2he-Y&t=31s

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Theater Play Show

YFD Theatre Club played a show on the racism and inequality in the society

Dabke Show

Bet Atfal El Soumoud band presented a folkloric dance

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GRADUATES OVERVIEW

Business Office Management and

Secretarial Duties

FAST FACTS

31% Around 31% of the graduates have found a job and entered the labor market

31 % Around 31% of the graduates have joined the university to finish their BA degree.

SHORT TERM COURSES

207 graduates graduated from YFD Vocational Training Centers in in project “Empowering Now” successfully after completing the 4 month short term courses over 3 cycles.

TOTAL NUMBER

110 graduates graduated from YFD Vocational Training Centers in the scholastic year 2016-2017 successfully after completing the nine-month academic year of intensive training and one month internship in the labor market

Graduates 2016-2017

SUCCESSFULLY, YFD BENEFICIARIES GRADUATED FROM

VOCATIONAL TRAINING CLASSES OF BUSINESS AND

OFFICE MANAGEMENT, SECRETARIAL DUTIES, SOCIAL

WORK AND SHORT TERM COURSES.

SOCIAL WORK COURSE

22 graduates graduated from YFD Vocational Training Centers in the scholastic year 2016-2017 successfully after completing the nine-month academic year of intensive training and one month internship in the labor market in project “Supporting Youth” providing Social Work Course.

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Youth Empowerment

Supported by Norwegian People’s Aid Shared donation by Institut Francais /French Embassy in Lebanon Partially donated fees by Hal Schools/Hal Project

Brief

Youth Empowerment is one-year project supported and donated by Norwegian People’s Aid. It targets Palestinian, Syrian and poor Lebanese youth. It aims to empower youth and strengthen their social inclusion, participation and influence in society. YFD plans to achieve this by enhancing young people’s employability and by providing them with proper means, skills and knowledge to get actively involved in policy making and social life and dialogue.

Youth for Development established the youth vocational training program that was originally initiated by “Norwegian People’s Aid” (NPA) back in 1984 for the sake of empowering young people and providing them with the proper means to participate effectively in the community. The main purpose behind this implementation is to address the Palestinian , Syrian, and the host community young people’s needs and problems trying to imitate them through the VT program accompanied by the life skills program to drive them away from risky behaviours. In addition to the education, and because one of the core purposes of YFD is to improve and boost employability, YFD works hard to find employment opportunities for graduates directly and indirectly through coordination with universities and employers. As well, YFD trainees undergo an obligatory four-week on-the-job training period at a variety of enterprises to enhance their knowledge and skills and facilitate their enrolment in jobs that require administrative skills

Activities/ life skills/ extracurricular activities; Health education achievements Throughout 2017 YFD enriched the student’s knowledge with a series of workshops and lectures on several health issues. The following were all conducted by volunteers from PARD.

Breast Cancer workshop that aims to raise awareness on the importance of early detection that might reveal some signs and symptoms of breast cancer at its early stages, in addition to, the risk factors and techniques for performing a breast self-exam as well as importance of annual mammograms and Pap tests and ways to reduce/avoid this type of cancer.

A lecture and workshop on Hygiene and the difference between the personal and the private hygiene, how to achieve it and its importance.

A lecture and workshop on the dangers of Smoking, and the diseases associated with it.

A lecture and awareness session on immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS. The lecture included protection tips and review on this disease.

A lecture on Anemia, its causes, nutrition and preventive methods to have a healthy body.

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An HIV awareness session and presentation covering the causes, signs, symptoms and ways of transmission.

Drugs addiction awareness session and presentation including risks and tips for avoiding addiction.

On the other hand, for the occasion of “Tuberculosis Day 24th March” a lecture titled “Tuberculosis” was given by Dr Samir Haj Moussa, UNRWA Medical Officer. The lecture covered the global epidemiology of tuberculosis (Causes – Symptoms – Diagnosis – Treatment – Prevention).The workshop included a contest among beneficiaries to answer questions at the end of the session. The winner was awarded in a prize as a way to encourage and motivate the students.

YFD VTS in coordination with UNRWA Medical Officer - Mar Elias camp, Dr Samir Haj Moussa organized a workshop on “Misuse of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs” (AIDS). The workshop covered the following:

What are Drugs and especially AIDS?

How do we use AIDS?

How are AIDS divided during treatment?

What are the risks of AIDS?

How does bacteria and germs fight AIDS?

Difference between bacteria and viruses

What are the side effects of AIDs?

Which drugs do AIDs interact with?

Knowledge on rights and ability to express opinions and other skills achievements:

A workshop on Self-esteem. The aim of this session was to give psychological support and to widen trainees understanding about the concept of self-esteem and self-confidence.

Another session and workshop on Self-esteem. The aim of this session is how to reach your goal through being confident.

A session on Depression and Emotional Drought in Adolescents by Dr. Fadia Koubaissy.

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A session about love and its different kinds, family gathering, respect, trust, intimacy, life mate and how to choose a life mate.

In the Land Day the trainer, Mr Mustafa Tohebeish, and the trainees commemorate this event by watching two movies and analysing them.

A movie titled “Title Deed from Moses” has been displayed for our trainees at Al-Somood Hall in Mar Elias Camp which aimed to show more about Palestine to young youth. It was directed by Azza El-Hassan in 1998.

A session about photography techniques by Mr Jan Vensin from Rangsaker.

A session about Self-confidence, definition, how to build, develop and maintain self-confidence and self-respect.

Sessions on Stress Management have been conducted. The session covered definition of stress, symptoms signs and causes, the effects of chronic stress and the health problems caused by stress, and how to improve your ability to handle stress and its influence.

A workshop on Communication Skills was conducted by the Journalist Wafik Hawari. The workshop covered the following topics: communication definition, communication techniques, importance of communication and ways to be a good communicator.

A workshop was done on Belfour’s Promise at Beit Attfal Al Soumoud - Mar Elias camp by Dr. Mahmoud El-Ali.

A workshop on leadership, the definition, types of leaders and the characteristics and a training on how to become a team worker and successful leader.

A workshop on human rights (HR); introduction, history and evolution, universal declaration of HR, situation of refugees, analysis and the economic, cultural and social convent of human rights

A workshop on Conflict Management covering effective conflict management techniques, methods, and strategies..

Related Material Training

Regular workshops on business related materials’ workshops and session are given such as Marketing, selling, customer satisfaction, small businesses, strategies, market research and planning a marketing sustainable plan. The session included theories and practices. The trainees are able to identify the process in which small business owners can reach a broader customer base to increase sales through: Defining Marketing and why it's important, describing how to conduct marketing research and developing marketing plans and successful strategies.

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Human Resources Workshop titled “how to create your CV” was given by human resources department at Chalhoob - Start Program. With the participation of Raji Abdul Salam, Lebanon Start Manager.

The objective of this workshop is to guide trainees on how “to build your CV” and how to answer and perform well in interview. The workshop begins and sets the tone by defining, what are the major components of CV.

It then describes in some details about what are the most important things to do in interview.

The workshop included the following:

What is CV?

Components of CV.

Introduction to linkedIN

What is job interview?

How to preform good in job interview

Key questions and answers in a job interview

Women status / gender equity achievements

A presentation on “Violence against Women” was conducted by showing the movie “Act no 293” which speaks about Violence against Women. Then Participants discuss definitions and examples on: types of violence, its consequences, the laws that protect women and children from violence. Later on, participants discussed how to report a case either under violence or suspected to be subjected to it.

A workshop on ‘Gender’ about the differences between eastern ideology and Islam ideology towards the gender issue, the biological differences between males and females and their influence. The lecture discussed the misunderstanding of the Islam ideology in some societies and how does it lead to violence against women. The lecturer focused on the important role of women in the society and the importance of creating better opportunities for women through engaging them in decision making, and increasing their participation in the political life.

A lecture on Gender was given by the social assistant at YFD to discuss the following topics:

• What is gender?

• What is the difference

between sex and gender?

• What is the origin of the word

“gender”?

• What does Islam say about

gender equality?

• What are the targets and the

effects of gender on Islamic

societies and individuals?

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Empowering Now Supported by RDPP and in partnership with AMEL

SNAPS

Community Service

Cooking and Distribution for poor families in Beirut area.

Community Service/ Islamic Infirmary Students practiced their skills gained from makeup artistry class and photography class through makeup application, skin care and nails care. The students drew a smile on the face of the old people for offering them this care and thanked them for the initiative.

Photography Class

Photography, shooting, lightening and Photoshop editing

SNAPS

Community Service

YfD students volunteered themselves to clean the area near Mar Elias camp.

Community Service/ Islamic Infirmary Students have visited the infirmary and distributed clothes and hygienic items trying to spread happiness among these older people. Students volunteered themselves in charity and community services learning how important is to give to the community.

Makeup Artistry Class

Skin types, skin peeling and cleaning, makeup application and beauty care

Brief

(This program targets the Syrian,

Palestinian, and Lebanese Youth to

provide them with English,

Computer, Typing, and business

office skills. The duration is ten

months, three days per week, four

hours a day. And it's implemented in

Saida- South Lebanon). In addition

to another course in partnership

with another Lebanese association

“Amel Association”, funded by

Regional Development and

Protection Programme and aims to

empower marginalized Syrian,

Palestinian, and Lebanese youth by

teaching them computer courses,

English courses, in addition to other

life skills, psychological support, and

recreational activities. The projects’

duration is eighteen months divided

into four cycles, five days per week,

five hours a day. And it is

implemented in Mari Elias camp-

Beirut.

Short terms courses: Photography

and makeup artistry.

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Graduation of the second cycle beneficiaries of the project "Empowering Now” The event included a play (show) done by YFD theatre club supported by the French Embassy in Lebanon/ PISCCA.

Community service by YFD beneficiaries where they prepared and cooked food to distribute it to the poor families in the presence of a delegation from the French Embassy (Mrs. Bernadette and Mr. Victor) that had lunch with the beneficiaries and shared some conversations.

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Supporting Youth Supported by Institut Francais/ French Embassy in Lebanon

Brief

This project targets Ignored and

Marginalised Palestinian, Syrian, and

Lebanese Youth to provide them with

certified social work course where after

graduation, beneficiaries can either

enrol at universities where they are

exempted from 42 credits or can directly

seek a job opportunity. This course

focuses on the non-humanitarian needs

of the beneficiaries by enhancing their

capacities and skills at a personal level,

and within the community.This project

includes as well practical training and

visits to other association/ seminars/

conferences on the social work/ social

assistance topic.

The key role of social workers is to

support people who, for whatever

reason, are not able to fulfil their basic

and secondary needs and to participate

fully in social life. Social workers, social

services and social institutions are

characteristics of a civilized society in

which human rights, social justice and

democracy are conceived of as vital

values and standards. Social work

contributes to the quality of life of all

citizens, social cohesion and solidarity,

while on the other hand supporting the

established order and relations in

society.

Others Social work course students hosted two social workers from Beit Atfal Al Somod at YFD's center to talk about certain cases and how to deal with them.

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Events

A lecture titled "The reality of prisons in Lebanon" at MUBS was moderated by Lt.

Col. Ghassan Othman, head of the Prisons Branch in Lebanon. During the lecture, Mr.

Othman introduced the reality of the Lebanese prisons. In addition to the role of

social workers inside and outside the prison, with the family and the environment in the

preparation for the integration of the prisoner

Students visited Ahmad Mosbah Al Bizri institution for special needs and met social workers to share their experience with students.

Students participated in a lecture in MUBS University concerning

tranquilizers and their effect on the human body.

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On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, proclaimed by the United Nations on 25 November of each year, to the streets of the city of Sidon wearing white T-shirts with orange slogans condemning violence against women. Beneficiaries distributed oranges to passersby referring to the symbolic color of this day, as well as quotations that touch on the subject and calls for the renunciation of violence and the honor of women.

Events Continued

For the International Women's Day students distributed flowers, balloons and flyers among women

in Saida- Rafic Al Hariri boulevard.

Community service and charity event done by YFD beneficiaries, they distributed from their own some toys and clothes to needy people

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Mrs. Rita Karam Secretary General of the Higher Council for Childhood during her visit she discussed the rights of children, and

shared her experience with the beneficiaries.

Visits

A delegation from Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs Ingrid Schoyen and Norwegian People's Aid in an appreciation visit to YFD Institution at Mar Elias to meet the administrative team and beneficiaries in a focus group to discuss their interests and needs

Her Excellency, Mrs. Lene Natasha Lind, the Royal Norwegian Ambassador in Lebanon paid a fruitful and thankful visit to Youth for Development association in Beirut for the sake of looking at the ongoing training processes for youth in the vocational training premises and to figure out their needs.

Mrs. Veronique Aulagnon/ Director of the Institut Français and delegations from Institute Francais/ French Embassy (Mrs.

Pascaline Magnes, and Mr. Victor Michalland,) paid a visit for Youth for Development resources center and VTCs in Saida

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Visits Youth Committee from Norwegian People's Aid

paid a fruitful visit to VTB premises

Dr. Awatef Abdalla Abd Al Hamid a deputy in the Sudanese parliament to discuss the status of social work in the Republic of Sudan.

AUL Orientation

YFD Orientations at UNRWA schools

YFD beneficiaries’ focus group Done by NPA

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Highlights

YFD IS NOW ACTIVE IN SOME LOCAL FORUMS

LOCAL NGOS FORUM

MUNICIPALITY OF SAIDA

UNICEF EDUCATION SECTOR

UNRWA EDUCATION SECTOR

UNHCR PROTECTION SECTOR

UNDP SOCIAL STABILITY SECTOR

UNICEF CHILD PROTECTION SECTOR

RIGHT OF RETURN COALITION

UNDP LIVELIHOODS SECTOR/ BEIRUT AND SOUTH

AMEL ASSOCIATION AND ISLAMIC RELIEF WORKING GROUPS

UNDP WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS IN PALESTINIAN GATHERINGS

HOST COMMUNITES PROJECT

ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORK AT THE ASSOCIATION OF ARAB UNIVERSITIES

CHILD PROTECTION NETWORK/ MAR ELIAS CAMP

A FRUITFUL COORDINATION

MEETING BETWEEN YFD AND

YOUNG SOLIDARITY FOR

PALESTINE HAS DONE TO SIGN

A MOU AND CONTRACT OF

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE

TWO PARTIES FOR THE NEXT

PERIOD AIMING TO

IMPLEMENT NEW PROJECTS

TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF

PALESTINIAN YOUTH IN

LEBANON AND OTHER

VULNERABLE GROUPS IN THE

COMMUNITY.

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Mohammad is 21 years old Palestinian that is verbally abused by his parents and constantly accused of being useless. Mohammad came to YFD desperate after failing the official exams and no fair job opportunity to hang to. Psychiatrists and social workers at YFD diagnosed him by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) which is anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations/ obsessions and engage in behaviors or mental acts in response to these thoughts. The instructors started working with him accordingly and tried to deliver a treatment through the course to change his image towards himself and empower him to tackle the course successfully. By the end of the course, he was reported as a very active and promising student after being assessed during the practical training under the supervision of the instructors. Mohammad graduated, and he is now an intern at an organization and is hoping to be soon hired.

Mohammad Kurdeyye

Fatima is a 53 years old Palestinian - Syrian that found in Lebanon peace after the Syrian crisis in 2011. Her children fled to other countries to seek opportunities and build a decent future in the diaspora. Fatima was depending on subventions and a little money from her children before submitting an application to YFD. During the course, Fatima proved to be a very dedicated trainee and graduated successfully. She is now working with an organization as a full time social worker.

Fatima Kayyali

Success Stories 2017

For more success stories please visit our YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbpNzxaTi0NC-tA4qdjjSQ?view_as=subscriber

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Annual Report

2017 Youth for

Development

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Unesco Square Sabah Salem El Sabah str Facing Phoenicia Station-Beirut P.O BOX: 14-5172 AL MAZRAA FB: Youth for Development WEB: www.yford.org EMAIL: info@yford.org

2018 New opportunities for new generation