From Training to Income: Jawaher’s Journey Towards Stability

In Al Marj, in Lebanon’s Bekaa region, 24-year-old Jawaher is working to build a more stable future for herself and her two children.

As a Syrian refugee and divorced mother, Jawaher has faced significant challenges while living in a camp. Yet, she has remained determined to move forward and create better opportunities for her family.

Through UNICEF’s Learning to Earning programme, funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank, Jawaher completed a sewing training, where she developed practical skills aligned with local market needs. She was then engaged in a cash-for-work opportunity, allowing her to further strengthen her experience while generating an initial income.

Building on this progress, Jawaher was selected to join the business start-up programme where she went through a training in sewing and received the machine and serger she needed to start her own small business. Now, she has begun taking small orders within her community, gradually building her client base and generating income to support her household.

For Jawaher, this marks an important transition from learning a skill to building a sustainable livelihood. Beyond income, the experience has strengthened her confidence and provided her with a renewed sense of independence.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” says Jawaher. “This support is helping me start something of my own and provide for my children.”

Through the Learning to Earning programme, UNICEF, with support from the German Government through KfW Development Bank, continues to support young people across Lebanon in building skills, accessing income opportunities, and strengthening their livelihoods even in challenging circumstances.