Hariri Foundation graduated students from the "Vocational and Technical Training" and "Cisco Academy for Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence" Centers
Under the patronage and attendance of its President, Mrs. Bahia Hariri, the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development held its annual graduation ceremony for approximately 580 students from the Vocational and Technical Training Centers for Youth and the Cisco Academy for Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence for the 2024-2025 academic year. The two centers provide free training and empowerment opportunities for youth across a wide range of disciplines that meet market needs. The graduation ceremony, held at the Rafik Hariri High School Theater in Sidon, was attended by the Director General of Vocational and Technical Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Hanadi Berri, represented by the Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation Department, Mr. Sayed Boufransis; the Mayor of Sidon and the Union of Sidon-Zahrani Municipalities, Engineer Mustafa Hijazi; a number of members of the Municipal Council; representatives from the private and public sectors; economic, social, academic, and educational figures; and the families of the graduates. They were received by the Executive Director of the Hariri Foundation, Dr. Robina Abu Zeinab, the Foundation’s staff, the Vocational Training Centers, the Cisco Academy, and the trainers supervising the vocational courses.
The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a welcoming speech from the Advisor to the Hariri Foundation for Vocational and Technical Education, Dr. Adham Kobrosly, who said, “Despite the war, displacement, and dangers our country has experienced, we stand together to witness the graduation of approximately 580 students. This achievement would not have been possible without the determination and belief in the role of education as a right and a necessity for building a more resilient society. This belief was instilled in us by the founder of this foundation, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.”
Kobrosly pointed out that “what the Hariri Foundation offers is not merely training programs, but a practical response to societal needs and to fill gaps in vocational and technical skills, ensuring integration with the local labor market, keeping pace with the digital transformation and green economy, and preserving cultural heritage.” He said, “We are proud of our experts, trainers, and partners from the civil, private, and public sectors, and we cherish the success stories created by our students, who are living proof of the impact of this path.” He concluded by addressing the graduates: “Your testimony today is a testament to the hope we insist on creating in the most difficult circumstances.”
Rashad Abu Zeinab highlighted the Cisco Academy’s growing impact in equipping youth with digital, AI, and technical skills through flexible career-oriented programs and innovative tools like a student chatbot. Graduates and trainers from both the Cisco Academy and the Youth Vocational Center expressed pride in their transformative learning journeys, emphasizing the programs’ role in fostering confidence, creativity, sustainability, and global employability among Lebanese youth.
Ma’aden Al-Sharif, Director of the Youth Vocational and Technical Training Center, emphasized the center’s continuous development of new training fields aligned with the Hariri Foundation’s sustainability goals — including sustainable sewing courses at the Anamalna workshop that recycle fabrics, reduce waste, and now produce uniforms that expand employment opportunities.
She celebrated the center’s achievements such as 11 trainees earning American Board of Cosmetology certificates, reflecting its commitment to market-responsive, high-quality training that empowers youth despite Lebanon’s challenging circumstances.
Speech from the Directorate of Vocational Education
After a video about the academy and the center was shown, and a presentation by Mr. Mohammad Ismail, Mr. Sayed Bou Francis delivered the speech of the Directorate General of Vocational and Technical Education. He conveyed the greetings of the Director General, Dr. Hanadi Berri, to the audience and extended his appreciation to Mrs. Hariri, “who has always been a voice supporting education.” He considered her interest in vocational education and empowerment an extension of a long history of commitment to youth and education issues, and living proof of her deep belief that investing in people is the best path to nation-building. He said, “Hence, the partnership between the General Directorate of Vocational and Technical Education and the Hariri Foundation emerged through joint projects. These centers, the fruits of which we celebrate today, have proven that faith in youth and providing them with opportunities can transform challenges into success stories. The Hariri Foundation has provided all necessary support and care, provided modern equipment, and funded diverse training programs in vital and promising specialties, in many areas needed by the Lebanese labor market.” He congratulated the graduates and said, “Today, you bear the responsibility of being active members of your communities and contributors to building a productive and sustainable economy.” He called on them to continue developing their skills and enter the labor market with confidence, considering them to represent the bright side of vocational education, the cornerstone of national development.
Bahia Hariri
The ceremony’s sponsor, Mrs. Bahia Hariri, said, “This graduation is a unique event because it heralds the birth of a new generation of creative and ambitious talents, capable of filling the significant void in the labor market and transforming Sidon and its surrounding areas into a vibrant, productive space that supports social and professional resilience in extremely difficult and challenging circumstances.” She said, “This achievement would not have been possible without the close cooperation with the Directorate of Vocational and Technical Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, which has proven once again that it is a fundamental pillar in building national capacities and a true partner in creating opportunities for our generations. It has been a supporter, guide, and motivator of every initiative that enhances vocational and technical education and links it to the needs of the labor market.”
Hariri extended a tribute of appreciation to the families, “the true partners in success.” She addressed the graduates: “Today, you not only possess graduation certificates, but also practical and technical skills, which are the most powerful weapon against unemployment and the most important key to building a more stable and productive future. You are living success stories writing new lines in the history of our city and our nation. We are determined to continue this journey by introducing new training courses that keep pace with scientific developments and meet the needs of the local and national labor markets, through vocational and technical education in its broadest scope, in order to build social stability and ensure a better future for our rising generations.”
Distribution of Certificates
Hariri then, in the company of Boufrancis and the directors of the academy and the center, distributed certificates to the approximately 580 graduates, as follows:
* Cisco Academy graduates in 11 specializations: Active Directory, AI Instructor, AI Student, Arduino 1/2, CCNA, ITE, Digital Marketing, HTML/PHP, MS Word, Python 1/2, Scanner.”
* Graduates of the Vocational and Technical Training Center for Youth in 27 courses in the following specialties: “Social Media, Photography, Photography and Montage, Macrame Weaving, Crochet Sewing, Sustainable Sewing, Agriculture, Candles, Solar Energy, Skincare, Embroidery, Hospitality, Inverter Maintenance, Nail Care, Makeup, Cell Phone Maintenance, Microsoft Principles, Healthy Kitchen Principles, Assistant Chef, Elderly Assistant, and Sound Engineering.”
A Tour of the Graduate Projects Exhibition
The graduation ceremony was preceded by the opening of an exhibition featuring projects and the innovative products and creations of students from the Center and the Academy. This exhibition included a special pavilion for the “Analna” Center. Hariri, Bou Francis, and the attendees toured the exhibition booths, viewing the students’ projects and listening to their explanations.