Weaving a tapestry of skills
With German funding, WFP-supported sewing classes are stitching skills and ambition together in Lebanon
There are 18 women in a classroom, surrounded by a colourful sea of fabric, needles, spools of thread and scissors. They are participants in a sewing class run by Lebanese non-governmental organisation Multi Aid Programs (MAPS).
For three days a week over two months, the women attend the blended theoretical and practical haberdashery classes in MAPS’ training centre in the Bekaa Valley. Beside the main road from Beirut to Damascus, the school is home to a swathe of livelihoods classes like this one, all funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Germany is the World Food Programme’s (WFP) sole supporter of livelihood projects in Lebanon and has funded over 350 projects since 2017.
“It sounds silly, but the course gave me hope,” explains Mayada, a 45-year-old mother of six attending the sewing classes.
“I’ve learned so much in a month already,” she explains, holding a bib that she has almost completed. “I only knew how to sew on a button before, but now I can re-purpose my kids’ clothing and make them last longer.”
This course is unique as — unlike many of WFP’s livelihoods projects — it has no age limit for participants. However, participants are young and old alike, all united in their ambition to learn new skills that will stand them in a stronger position to find employment in the future.
“I heard about the course on Facebook,” explains Safa. “I was looking for a class on sewing because my husband used to be a tailor and we always talked about working together one day. Already, I’ve learned eight different ways to sew!”
WFP’s livelihoods projects vary in nature and include the construction of agricultural infrastructure, food hygiene, reforestation, web development and many more. They have all been designed in collaboration with local municipalities and have both Lebanese and Syrian participants, with the aim to contribute to mitigating strained community tensions. “We are all friends here,” as Safa puts it.
But critically, the courses are designed to transfer skills to vulnerable individuals — or boosting their existing ones — with the end goal of enhancing their chances of finding employment. Whilst participating in the course, participants receive a daily wage and travel allowance from WFP. “This [course] is so important,” explains Safa. “I’ve got no other income and live off debts.”
Underneath that sea of fabric, a rich tapestry of skills is being woven. WFP is committed to delivering such livelihood activities in Lebanon into 2019. They are unique opportunities to turn the crisis into development opportunities, stitching together new skills and enthusiasm for self-reliance.
