When Hanan Zeineldinne enrolled in the Executive Secretariat and Life Skills Development Program, implemented by CVC with the support of ANERA, she was looking for an opportunity to develop her skills and prepare for the job market.
A fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree in international management, Hanan belongs to a generation of Lebanese youth that has faced unprecedented challenges over the past five years. Economic instability, limited employment opportunities, and ongoing uncertainty have made the transition from education to employment increasingly difficult for young graduates. Like many of her peers, Hanan was seeking opportunities that would help her gain practical experience, strengthen her skills, and improve her prospects in a highly competitive job market.
The youth empowerment program brought together 20 participants per class and provided comprehensive training in administrative skills, Business English, communication, and essential life skills designed to strengthen participants’ professional readiness and confidence.
Upon completing the training phase, participants transitioned into paid internships hosted by different institutions and small-scale businesses, where they gained practical experience and exposure to real workplace environments. While participants were placed across a variety of organizations, Hanan completed her internship at CVC, working across the Sponsorship, MEAL and Media departments.
This experience allowed her to explore different aspects of humanitarian work. from engaging with communities and supporting vulnerable families, to monitoring humanitarian assistance and documenting stories from the field. Through field visits, community engagement, and teamwork, she developed valuable professional skills while gaining a deeper understanding of humanitarian action and community service. As a result, she was selected among 15 outstanding participants eligible to receive long-term employment support through the project.
Today, Hanan continues her journey with CVC as a volunteer in the Media Department, where she contributes to highlighting the impact of humanitarian work. Her experience reflects the importance of creating pathways for young graduates to gain meaningful exposure, build professional networks, and access opportunities that can help them navigate Lebanon’s challenging economic landscape.
Reflecting on her experience, Hanan shares:
“The program gave me more than professional skills. It gave me confidence, purpose, and a clearer vision for my future. Working across the Sponsorship, MEAL, and Media departments allowed me to experience the humanitarian sector from different perspectives and understand how every role contributes to supporting communities in need.”
Especially at a time when many Lebanese youths are searching for opportunities to overcome economic challenges and build sustainable careers. By transforming training opportunities into pathways toward meaningful employment and long-term personal growth, programs like this help empower the next generation to shape a more hopeful future
