The SALAM Project Learning Event became more than a milestone; it was a true celebration of resilience, collaboration, and hope driven by a community-led, bottom-up experience.
Held in the presence of Dr. Khalil Akel, Head of the Bekaa Agricultural Department; Ms. Clara Pellerin, Head of the ACE Project at GIZ; and Ms. Christiane Richa, Director of the Social Development Center Houch El Omara, the event brought together representatives from public and academic institutions, experts, trainers, community partners, National and International CSOs, and local MSMEs who were engaged throughout the project as active partners and co-creators of impact.
Highlights of the day included:
- Project Overview & Impact – Strengthening 30 MSMEs and 13 CSOs while building resilience and social stability for 608 children, families, and youth through collaborative, community-anchored approaches.
- Panel Discussion – Powerful bottom-up insights reflecting real challenges, real victories, and how technical, financial, social, and emotional support, shaped with community partners, creates lasting impact.
- Takallam Social Center Tour – Opening the first floor, featuring a dedicated academic support space for children and youth facing learning challenges, fostering skill development and talent discovery.
- MSME Showcases – 30 dynamic booths highlighting local businesses, innovative products, and partnership opportunities.
The day concluded with a networking lunch, nurturing new connections, and partnerships
This project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in collaboration with Michel Daher Foundation, under the framework of the “Strengthening the Resilience of Smallholder Farms, Micro and Small Enterprises, and Local Communities (ACE)” project, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
