Empowering Communities and Stimulating Economic Growth:
In an effort toward continued sustainable development initiatives, the Young Men’s Christian Association of Lebanon (YMCA) with the cooperation and partnership of the Digital Opportunity Trust of Canada (DOT), are executing the “Income Generation through Information Communication Technology (ICT) for Development: Empowering Communities and Stimulating Economic Growth” Program funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Project Objectives:
§ To contribute to the social and economic recovery in Lebanon through the application of ICT to create sustainable livelihoods and assist in positive community development.
§ To empower vulnerable groups and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to use ICT to increase their employment and income-generation opportunities.
Project Duration:
The project will have a two-year duration, set to begin on August 2008 and end in September 2010.
Implementation:
The project implementation includes:
§ Training sessions for youth and women in the field of ICT.
§ Management and development of MSEs, with the cooperation of civil society associations in different regions across Lebanon.
Expected Number of Beneficiaries:
At least 1500 participants across Lebanon.
Outcomes:
§ Increased ICT-related skills and knowledge among participating Lebanese youth,
§ Increased entrepreneurial skills among community participants,
§ Increased revenues, expanded MSE business and/or stimulated community development,
§ Strengthened the skills of women and underprivileged groups in accessing resources, and
§ Increased access to small loans, employment opportunities, and ICT services through the development of society resources and businesses.
Geographical Coverage Areas:
Step 1: Mount Lebanon, North, South and Nabatieh.
Step 2: Beirut and surrounding areas (suburbs) and the Bekaa. |
