Multiple crises in Lebanon will continue to put jobs and livelihoods at risk in an increasingly vulnerable and poor population. A shift from the current rentier-based economy to more productive sectors and the development of a robust vision for the country - including a comprehensive national employment policy that's based on concerted efforts by all relevant tripartite stakeholders - will be needed to tackle the multiple crises and challenges facing Lebanon. The information and technology sector in Lebanon could play an important role in making the Lebanese economy and employment market.

In order to strengthen digital skills in Lebanon, as well as to address the high unemployment rates among the youth (at an estimated 50%), this project aimed to train up to 80 young people in Mobile App Development, UX and Python Development. KAS and Park Innovation sought to encourage and enable the youth on pursuing their studies and career in the digital and software industry through exploring different (offsite and onsite) IT jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. Our initiative's purpose surfaced to tackle and bridge the employer needs with the youth talent that Lebanon has. The current tangible surge in the demand of remote resources, especially due to the COVID-19 situation and this by itself is a significant opportunity that our skilled professionals can benefit from and connect with remote jobs globally.

From the large amount of applications, students were selected on the basis of a questionnaire with IT skills questions which tests students competency level. By the end of the training, students acquired the right mindset to enter the real-world of technology. They presented their projects in online graduation ceremonies. The full software development life-cycle (SDLC) and Mobile Application Development students developed different, social-tech apps in close consultation with the needs of local stakeholders. Amongst these were a data collection app for Chouf Biosphere Reserve, the rebuilding of the existing e-municipality application for the Union of municipalities, Crisis Opps App for Union of Municipalities, and a patient x doctor e-appointment app for hospitals.