HFCNA | CISCO Networking Academy

In 2005, the Hariri Foundation partnered with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and several international and national organizations in launching a program to combat school dropouts and reduce IT illiteracy among students in Lebanon. This program equipped over 20 public high schools and institutes with fully functional computer labs and internet connectivity. It also provided specialized training and certification to many instructors, enabling the launch of CISCO academies in those schools.  

In 2006, the Hariri Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, launched its own CISCO Academy (Project 83) to promote equality in Lebanon’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. To this day, the academy provides intensive, globally recognized training programs in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, and programming. These programs equip students with the technical skills needed to design, manage, and secure networks, as well as develop innovative applications. 

The Hariri Foundation CISCO Networking Academy (HFCNA) also serves as an Academy Support Center (ASC) for CISCO academies across Lebanon. This center plays a pivotal role in offering comprehensive training to instructors, enhancing both their technical expertise and teaching skills. By empowering educators to deliver more effective and engaging learning experiences, the HFCNA ensures a higher quality of education for students nationwide. 

The CISCO Academy collaborates with leading educational institutions, including the Lebanese University, Beirut Arab University, the Islamic University of Lebanon, the University of the Holy Spirit, the Lebanese American University of Science, and Al-Madina University. By integrating CISCO’s industry-leading training programs into local curricula, the academy provides students with practical, real-world knowledge that is highly valued in the job market. 

The academy’s primary branch is located at the Hariri Foundation Center in Saida, which is equipped with the latest networking technologies. The Hariri Foundation and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education are actively working on plans to expand the academy’s reach to Lebanon’s vocational and technical schools. 

Through its training programs, the academy enhances students’ employability by offering internationally recognized certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Information Technology Essentials (ITE). These credentials open the door to a wide range of technical career opportunities, including roles as network engineers, network administrators, network analysts, and cybersecurity experts. 

Since its inception, the Cisco Academy has graduated over 1,500 students, many of whom have successfully entered the workforce in various ICT roles. In addition to training, the academy supports students with internship opportunities and job placements, connecting them with local and international companies. 

Committed to fostering inclusivity, the Cisco Academy aims to increase gender equality in the ICT sector. Through gender-specific programs, it empowers women and girls by enhancing their skills in networking and technology, boosting their competitiveness in the job market. Additionally, the academy leverages e-learning platforms to make vocational training accessible to students across Lebanon, ensuring that education is both inclusive and far-reaching.