The project titled “Employment Promotion for People with Disability and Local Businesses Viability,” is implemented by arcenciel in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It was launched in 2022 with a budget of $245,105.58, and is scheduled to run from October 1st, 2022, until July 31st, 2024, encompassing a 22-month duration.

The core focus of this project is to create equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, fostering their engagement in Lebanon’s economic development and enabling them to contribute significantly to the survival and growth of local businesses. By empowering 50 young people with disabilities, aged between 16 and 35, we aim to enhance their employability and enable them to overcome physical and educational barriers that may hinder their career prospects.

Additionally, this project seeks to empower 10 youth with disabilities, and equip them with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in the workforce and become “Leaders of Inclusion”. Furthermore, we aim to strengthen the local economy by collaborating with 20 private sector companies, ensuring their sustained growth and inclusive cultural development.

Our primary objectives include promoting a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where people with disabilities are recognized for their abilities and contributions. By breaking down barriers and offering tailored support, we seek to empower these individuals to realize their full potential, thereby enriching both the workforce and society as a whole.

Through the collaboration of various stakeholders, this project aspires to make a lasting impact on the lives of youth with disabilities and the growth of local businesses. By harnessing their unique talents and abilities, we aim to create a more vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive future for Lebanon.

This project is supported by the GIZ in the context of the project “Employment Promotion Lebanon” (EPL), which aims at improving the employment situation of young Lebanese adults (aged 17 to 35), women and people with disabilities in the selected pilot regions of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The project identifies employment opportunities for young adults, women and people with disabilities, and designs activities to provide skills relevant to the labour market and qualifications that strengthen their employability. The project also supports Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in selected job creating sectors to improve their competitive position, leading to better working conditions, safeguarding existing jobs and/or creating new ones.

The project’s activities are carried out by implementation partners like arcenciel that have experience in developing and implementing measures to promote employment and supporting MSMEs in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, and that can effectively serve the project beneficiaries.

We sincerely thank the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH for their invaluable support in making this vision a reality. Together, we are forging a path towards a more inclusive, equitable and economically sustainable future for all.

For any inquiries or further information about this project, please do not hesitate to contact us by email on: emploi@arcenciel.org or on arcenciel’s phone number: +961 1 495 561.

Together, let’s work towards Inclusion!