Skill-building for Unemployed Youth in Lebanon

Hello,

As the festive season approaches, I'd like to thank you for giving hope to youth in Lebanon throughout 2020.

This year, we've seen youth deal with a multitude of challenges, related to health with the COVID19 outbreak, the economy with the collapse of the local currency, and last but not least the tragic Beirut blasts.

Throughout the year, and by reaching out to youth, most have relayed a sense of deep despair. A select few, however, have held on to hope and have risen to face a sad reality with projects that address some of the challenges our country is facing.

I write to you today with deep pride to thank you for your generous contributions to this project and share some of our youth stories so you too can join us in celebrating Lebanon's youth and change-makers.

Passionate about nature, wellness, and reading, Boushra's story is one of self-discovery through innovation, hard work, and success. Boushra joined GIL - Generation of Innovation Leaders with Nawaya in 2019 and has now launched her small enterprise, Teabah.lb, inspired by the mountains of the Chouf where she resides.

Where many saw challenges in 2020, Boushra saw opportunities. On a personal level, and like most of us in Lebanon, Boushra has gone through ups and downs throughout the year. Yet she kept going, with one goal, making a difference in her hometown by financially supporting women from her village and enlisting their services in harvesting and making tea blends for Teabah.

At just 23, Boushra knew that her community of women would inspire and motivate her to keep working, it is by helping them that she was able to renovate her workshop, sell her products online, participate in various accelerators and competitions, and last but not least, place her tea in select shops in Beirut.

I've included a link to Boushra's story, on video, should you wish to meet her and learn more about Teabah.

Our second story takes us South to Nabatiyeh, where Yasser, Mohamad, Nabih, and Adib formed team E-Farm, in response to the soaring prices of food products in the country, unhealthy food production practices, and the abuse of natural resources. Through E-Farm, this team of four produces organic vegetables and fish at fair prices for the Lebanese market while saving 90% on water usage.

Much of what we work for at Nawaya takes years to achieve, and through your actions, you are helping so many youths in Lebanon survive and thrive.

Thank you, from the heart,
     

Links:

• Meet Boushra Hassanieh, Teabah