Haretna Project: Transforming Neighborhoods Through Economic Empowerment
A strategic three-year intervention plan to create sustainable economic opportunities in vulnerable Lebanese neighborhoods through skills development, enterprise support, and community engagement.
Program Goals & Strategy
Enhanced Workforce Readiness
Improve employability by closing key skill gaps in language, digital literacy, and vocational abilities.
Improved Employment Outcomes
Increase job placement rates and foster micro-entrepreneurship for sustainable livelihoods.
Strengthened Business Ecosystem
Support existing micro and small enterprises to stimulate local job creation and economic activity.
Digital Integration
Leverage LebanonLabor.com to connect communities with broader employment opportunities.
Track 1: Individual Skills Development
Foundational Skills Training
English language proficiency, computer/digital literacy, and transferable professional skills to address core gaps limiting access to quality jobs.
Job Readiness & Placement
CV writing, interview preparation, career counseling, and connections to employers through partnerships and online platforms.
Entrepreneurship Orientation
Basic training on starting small businesses, financial literacy, and enterprise idea development for those interested in self-employment.
Track 2: Local Enterprise Support
Business Training
Core skills in bookkeeping, marketing, product improvement, and growth strategies with tailored coaching for specific challenges.
Technical Support
Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, and assistance with business formalization.
Seed Funding
Small grants or in-kind support (tools, equipment) disbursed in tranches tied to performance milestones.
Growth Monitoring
Continuous progress tracking and mentorship to ensure businesses expand and generate new employment.
Cross-Cutting Strategies
Gender Inclusion
50% female participation target, women-only training groups, flexible schedules, on-site childcare, and female instructors to overcome barriers limiting women's access to skills and jobs.
Digital Inclusion
Bridge the digital divide through computer labs, subsidized internet access, and support creating online profiles to connect neighborhood talent with broader markets.
Community Engagement
Participatory approach with local stakeholders involved in co-designing activities, neighborhood skills committees, and coordination with existing institutions.
Implementation Timeline
1
Year 1: Foundation & Pilot
Establish program infrastructure, develop curricula, select first cohort of 60-70 individuals and 1-2 businesses, launch initial training, and document early successes.
2
Year 2: Expansion
Recruit second cohort (70-80 people), enhance training based on feedback, select additional 1-2 businesses, conduct mid-term evaluation, and plan for sustainability.
3
Year 3: Consolidation
Reach cumulative target of ~200 individuals trained, intensify job placement efforts, implement sustainability measures, and transition to community ownership.
Participant Selection Process
Inclusive Outreach
Multiple channels including community meetings, local NGOs, social media, and flyers with user-friendly application forms available both online and in paper format.
Multi-Stage Selection
Initial screening, skills assessment, interviews, and final ranking using objective criteria and qualitative judgment to identify those with significant skill gaps and high motivation.
Diverse Cohort Formation
Balanced groups with gender parity, age mix, and inclusion of vulnerable populations to foster social cohesion and ensure no one is left behind.