Safadi Foundation Graduates Trainees in Nursing Care As Part of the Second Phase of the Work-Based Learning Program

Safadi Foundation Graduates Trainees in Nursing Care As Part of the Second Phase of the Work-Based Learning Program

The Safadi Foundation organized a graduation ceremony for thirty trainees in the field of nursing care as part of the second phase of the Work-Based Learning Program, implemented by the Foundation in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the EU-funded ENABLE Program.

The ceremony, held at Abou Jaoude Hospital, was attended by Ms. Hanadi Berri, Director of Vocational and Technical Education, represented by Mr. Farouk El Harakeh, Head of the Information Department at the Directorate; Mr. Habib Maawad, representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs; Ms. Leila Emerson, Program Manager at the European Union; Mr. Patrick Daru, Deputy Regional Director at the ILO; Mr. Frederico Baratta, Senior Technical Advisor of the ENABLE Program; Dr. Imad Abou Jaoude, Medical Director of Abou Jaoude Hospital; Mr. Khaled Hanouf, Program Director at the Safadi Foundation, along with the graduates and their families.

Following the national anthem and welcoming remarks, a series of speeches took place.
Mr. Hanouf emphasized that investing in youth is investing in the future, highlighting the vital importance of nursing care, especially amid current difficult circumstances, as healthcare workers represent the first line of defense in patient care.

Dr. Abou Jaoude noted that since its establishment, the hospital has adopted a culture of recruiting and training individuals without formal certifications, offering them opportunities to work as nursing assistants. He praised this project for its great success in reducing tensions between certified and non-certified workers. Thanking all those who helped turn this initiative into reality, he also expressed hope that the project would expand to include midwives, nurses, and surgical assistants, and continue across Lebanon and beyond.

For his part, Mr. Daru stressed that the collaboration between the ILO, the EU Delegation, the Directorate General of Vocational and Technical Education, the Safadi Foundation, and Abou Jaoude Hospital has established a successful model of a fast, work-based training program that provides modular certifications, offers great potential, and has facilitated the transition of young men and women into healthcare assistant jobs. He reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to exploring new partnership opportunities with the Lebanese government and the European Union to further expand the program.

Mr. El Harakeh emphasized that fast-track training has become a pressing need amid the current economic and social challenges, as it provides trainees with practical, immediately applicable skills that translate into real job opportunities, while also contributing to revitalizing the national economy. He added that the cooperation between the Directorate General of Vocational Education and the Safadi Foundation represents a living model of constructive partnership between the public sector and civil society organizations, a collaboration they aim to enhance and expand.

Ms. Emerson expressed the EU’s pride in supporting this project, in cooperation with the ILO and the Safadi Foundation, affirming their strong belief in work-based learning as it delivers tangible results, equips individuals with practical skills, and fosters independence, dignity, and resilience, all of which Lebanon urgently needs today.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, trainee Christiane Rizk expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to providing her and her colleagues with the opportunity to learn nursing care skills. She noted that the Nursing Assistant Program was much more than a training course, it was a journey through which they learned the true meaning of care and compassion, in addition to technical skills.

The ceremony also featured a documentary video showcasing testimonials from trainees and trainers throughout the training period, and concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates, followed by a cocktail reception.