Beirut:The René Moawad Foundation has successfully concluded the Productive Economic Inclusion in Lebanon (PEIL) program, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the World Bank and funded by the Japan Social Development Fund, reaching 1,300 vulnerable Lebanese families enrolled in the AMAN program in Mennieh-Donnieh, Akkar, Baabda-El Metn, and Saida-Jezzine.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the program focused on meeting labor market needs and providing a comprehensive package of services. Participants were equipped with market-relevant skills, savings habits, and received one-on-one coaching and follow-up, in addition to basic equipment. This initiative enabled around 1,000 individuals to start working independently, fostering professional and business relationships by linking them with local markets.
The closing ceremony featured notable attendees including H.E. Kenji Yokota, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon; MP Michel Moawad; Judge Hala El Moula, Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs; and Enrique Blanco Armas, Country Manager of the World Bank Group in Lebanon. The event also attracted representatives from municipal unions, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society, along with program beneficiaries.
Ambassador Yokota expressed Japan's commitment to supporting Lebanon in expanding economic opportunities through the Japan Social Development Fund, emphasizing the importance of sustainable livelihood opportunities. MP Moawad highlighted the program's role in fostering financial independence and sustainability, advocating for its expansion nationwide to benefit more Lebanese families.
The program's innovative design, praised by Blanco Armas, combines self-employment support with skills development, capital access, and market connectivity. Judge El Moula emphasized the Ministry's belief in pairing social protection with economic opportunities to enhance family skills and income.
The ceremony included presentations of the program's results, participant testimonies, and discussions on the private sector's role in job creation. The event concluded with a market where participants showcased their products and services, demonstrating the skills acquired through the program.
