Under the patronage and in the presence of Mrs. Bahia Hariri, President of the Hariri Foundation, the General Federation of Lebanese Workers, in collaboration with the “Hand in Hand” campaign, the “OSAD” Association, and the Hariri Foundation’s Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna “, organized a graduation ceremony for a training course on the art of embroidery and beadwork using the loom. This initiative aimed to empower women and young girls by enhancing their craftsmanship and artistic skills.
The event, held at Khan El-Franj in Saida, was attended by Mr. Maroun Al-Khaouli, President of the General Federation of Lebanese Workers; Ms. Amal Raad, Head of the “Hand in Hand” campaign; Mr. Hanna Al-Khouri, President of the “OSAD” Association; Ms. Maadan Al-Sharif, Director of the Hariri Foundation’s Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna; and a number of guests.
Mrs. Bahia Hariri’s Remarks
She welcomed everyone to Khan El-Franj and stated: “Today’s graduation represents a model of partnership between various sectors as we lay the foundation for a new phase to encourage young women and men to engage in crafts that are gradually disappearing. At the Hariri Foundation, and particularly through the Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna, we have been keen to preserve traditional crafts by integrating modern elements.”
She added: “The Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna” and Khan El-Franj have come together to support women’s economic independence, giving them a stronger role not only within their families but also in their communities. Together, we hope to collaborate on more crafts and to consistently inspire hope in our youth because without them, without hope, and without dreams, our nation cannot progress. Congratulations to the graduates—I am proud of what I see and the diversity represented here.”
Mr. Maroun Al-Khaouli’s Remarks
Mr. Maroun Al-Khouli, President of the General Federation of Lebanese Workers, described the ceremony as a significant step toward supporting women and young girls in Saida, the gateway to Lebanon’s south. He said: “This area continues to stand firm against repeated Israeli aggressions and remains a symbol of resilience and struggle. This training course is part of a broader vision to empower women, enabling them to play a pivotal role in building a more productive and prosperous society.”
He emphasized that such training initiatives are vital amid Lebanon’s challenging economic conditions, high unemployment rates, and unprecedented scarcity of job opportunities. He said: “These courses provide Lebanese workers with the skills needed for new professions, helping them overcome today’s challenges, preserve their dignity, and secure a decent living in their homeland, without succumbing to unemployment or forced migration. I am confident these courses will contribute to sustainable development across Lebanon and support regions like Saida, embodying resistance and resilience.”
Ms. Raad’s Remarks
Ms. Amal Raad, Head of the “Hand in Hand” campaign, highlighted the achievements of the campaign and the training course, stating: “In a country bleeding from crises, with an economy in collapse, a dwindling Lebanese workforce, and a lack of trust in rebuilding, hope is fading. Amid this despair, the ‘Hand in Hand’ campaign was born. Seeking those genuinely dedicated to the future of our youth and the well-being of our country, we approached the General Federation of Lebanese Workers, led by Mr. Maroun Al-Khouli. Together, we launched the first ‘Hand in Hand’ training course on beadwork at Khan El-Franj.”
Raad explained that the campaign’s goal is to support Lebanese youth across the country by training and teaching them various trades for free, developing their skills to create job opportunities, and integrating them into the local market to address unemployment and curb migration. She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the course.
Dr. Hanna Al-Khouri’s Remarks
Dr. Hanna Al-Khouri, President of the “OSAD” Association, emphasized that development is the cornerstone of societal progress and the true measure of civilization. He said:
“Development is the foundation of peace. Without development, there is no peace. Today, we conclude a vital developmental project launched 40 days ago at this historic site, training a group of women in bead embroidery to create job opportunities for Lebanese youth.”
He added: “This initiative, launched from this cherished city of Saida and this historic site, aims to extend to all Lebanese regions and professions to develop skills and teach young people self-sufficiency
Distribution of Certificates
Mrs. Hariri, along with Mr. Al-Khaouli, Dr. Al- Khouri, and Ms. Raad, distributed graduation certificates to the trainees in recognition of their dedication and excellence in acquiring skills in this art. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to those supervising the course. The event concluded with a tour of the handmade crafts produced by the trainees and other works from the Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna”.
Mrs. Bahia Hariri’s Remarks
She welcomed everyone to Khan El-Franj and stated: “Today’s graduation represents a model of partnership between various sectors as we lay the foundation for a new phase to encourage young women and men to engage in crafts that are gradually disappearing. At the Hariri Foundation, and particularly through the Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna, we have been keen to preserve traditional crafts by integrating modern elements.”
She added: “The Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna” and Khan El-Franj have come together to support women’s economic independence, giving them a stronger role not only within their families but also in their communities. Together, we hope to collaborate on more crafts and to consistently inspire hope in our youth because without them, without hope, and without dreams, our nation cannot progress. Congratulations to the graduates—I am proud of what I see and the diversity represented here.”
Mr. Maroun Al-Khaouli’s Remarks
Mr. Maroun Al-Khouli, President of the General Federation of Lebanese Workers, described the ceremony as a significant step toward supporting women and young girls in Saida, the gateway to Lebanon’s south. He said: “This area continues to stand firm against repeated Israeli aggressions and remains a symbol of resilience and struggle. This training course is part of a broader vision to empower women, enabling them to play a pivotal role in building a more productive and prosperous society.”
He emphasized that such training initiatives are vital amid Lebanon’s challenging economic conditions, high unemployment rates, and unprecedented scarcity of job opportunities. He said: “These courses provide Lebanese workers with the skills needed for new professions, helping them overcome today’s challenges, preserve their dignity, and secure a decent living in their homeland, without succumbing to unemployment or forced migration. I am confident these courses will contribute to sustainable development across Lebanon and support regions like Saida, embodying resistance and resilience.”
Ms. Raad’s Remarks
Ms. Amal Raad, Head of the “Hand in Hand” campaign, highlighted the achievements of the campaign and the training course, stating: “In a country bleeding from crises, with an economy in collapse, a dwindling Lebanese workforce, and a lack of trust in rebuilding, hope is fading. Amid this despair, the ‘Hand in Hand’ campaign was born. Seeking those genuinely dedicated to the future of our youth and the well-being of our country, we approached the General Federation of Lebanese Workers, led by Mr. Maroun Al-Khouli. Together, we launched the first ‘Hand in Hand’ training course on beadwork at Khan El-Franj.”
Raad explained that the campaign’s goal is to support Lebanese youth across the country by training and teaching them various trades for free, developing their skills to create job opportunities, and integrating them into the local market to address unemployment and curb migration. She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the course.
Dr. Hanna Al-Khouri’s Remarks
Dr. Hanna Al-Khouri, President of the “OSAD” Association, emphasized that development is the cornerstone of societal progress and the true measure of civilization. He said:
“Development is the foundation of peace. Without development, there is no peace. Today, we conclude a vital developmental project launched 40 days ago at this historic site, training a group of women in bead embroidery to create job opportunities for Lebanese youth.”
He added: “This initiative, launched from this cherished city of Saida and this historic site, aims to extend to all Lebanese regions and professions to develop skills and teach young people self-sufficiency
Distribution of Certificates
Mrs. Hariri, along with Mr. Al-Khaouli, Dr. Al- Khouri, and Ms. Raad, distributed graduation certificates to the trainees in recognition of their dedication and excellence in acquiring skills in this art. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to those supervising the course. The event concluded with a tour of the handmade crafts produced by the trainees and other works from the Women Empowerment Center “Anamilouna”.