Safadi Foundation Graduates 113 Trainees in Seven Vocational Fields and Concludes the

Safadi Foundation Graduates 113 Trainees in Seven Vocational Fields and Concludes the

Khairallah Safadi: Investing in empowering women and youth is the smartest national investment.
Khattar: Vocational training strengthens economic and social stability.
Abdel Rahman: Success is achieved through partnership and solidarity.

The Safadi Foundation concluded its vocational training program under the “Childhood Rescue” project, implemented in collaboration with Utopia Association and in partnership with World Vision in Lebanon, with a graduation ceremony held at the Safadi Center in Tripoli.

The ceremony was attended by former Minister Mohammad Safadi, Vice President of the Safadi Foundation and former Minister Violette Khairallah Safadi, World Vision Lebanon’s Program Director Habib Khattar, Director of Utopia Association Shafic Abdel Rahman, Acting Governor of North Lebanon Mrs. Iman Rafai, Mayor of Tripoli Dr. Abdel Hamid Kabara and his deputy Mr. Khaled Kabara, Mayor of Mina Mr. Abdullah Kabara, Head of the Lebanese Red Cross Tripoli branch Mrs. Maha Karkhani, in addition to representatives from the Rabat and Hadatha associations and a number of private sector stakeholders.

The event opened with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from the master of ceremony. Mr. Habib Khattar then delivered World Vision’s address, stressing that the organization’s presence in Lebanon aims to stand by communities and create opportunities for a better life. He highlighted the importance of vocational training in promoting economic stability and providing safer environments for children.

Mr. Shafic Abdel Rahman, Director of Utopia Association, emphasized that success is never the result of an individual or a single institution but of collaboration and solidarity. He reaffirmed Utopia’s commitment to continue working with youth to enhance their skills and enable them to play an active role in society.

In her speech, Mrs. Violette Safadi pointed out that the impact of such programs extends beyond individuals, stressing that investing in the empowerment of women, youth, and people in general is the smartest national investment, as it secures the future of Lebanon as a whole. She called for turning the concept of empowerment into a lasting reality, not just a slogan. Safadi recalled the foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting youth through the establishment of accelerated vocational training centers in Tripoli, underlining the importance of making the northern capital a model of empowerment and sustainable development through effective collaboration between local and international institutions, especially given the ongoing changes that require local labor more than ever.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow trainees, Ms. Mona Kreidly expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making their dream come true. She shared that the makeup training she received transformed her passion into the start of a professional career she hopes will grant her economic independence and security for herself and her family.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to 113 graduates, followed by a cocktail reception.

It is worth noting that the “Saving Childhood” program targeted young men and women above 18 years old who benefit from the services of the Ministry of Social Affairs. It provided training in seven vocational fields: pastry-making, mobile phone maintenance, welding, sewing, hairdressing, and restaurant service (waiter). These courses aimed to equip participants with practical skills that strengthen their employability and enable them to acquire new professions that improve their living conditions.