Launch Workshop of the “Forsa” Program – Second Year (2024–2025)

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting marginalized groups and promoting economic empowerment, Volunteer for Hope Organization organized a launch workshop on October 13, 2024, to mark the beginning of the second year of the “Forsa” Program for the Economic Empowerment of Marginalized Groups and Youth, implemented with the support of the National Institution for Economic Empowerment – “Tamkeen”.

The “Forsa” program, initially launched in July 2023, aims to economically empower the most marginalized communities in the Jerusalem Governorate by building the capacities of targeted individuals and providing grants to help them establish small businesses or access suitable job opportunities.

The workshop brought together 33 selected beneficiaries of the second-year cycle, who were introduced to the implementation plan for the upcoming stages of the program, structured as follows:

1. Phase Two: Delivery of core training sessions focusing on project management and essential life skills.
2. Phase Three: Provision of specialized vocational training tailored to the needs of each beneficiary group.
3. Phase Four: Supplying beneficiaries with the necessary materials, equipment, and tools to launch their small-scale projects.
4. Final Phase: Evaluation and follow-up of the projects to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.

The event was opened by Ms. Sylvia Abu Laban, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Volunteer For Hope Organization, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the association’s commitment to advancing development initiatives in Jerusalem. Ms. Abu Laban highlighted that the “Forsa” program seeks to economically empower marginalized groups and youth, aligning with the association’s mission to promote social, economic, and cultural development. She further stressed the importance of responding to the challenging circumstances facing the villages of Northwest Jerusalem, underscoring the need to support women and open pathways for small projects that address family needs.

Ms. Ibtisam Al-Husari, Director General of the National Institution for Economic Empowerment – Tamkeen, reaffirmed the vital role of economic empowerment in enhancing resilience. She praised VOH as a leading organization in this field, particularly in Jerusalem, and valued the strong and ongoing partnership between Tamkeen and Volunteer for Hope Organization. She emphasized the shared goal of transitioning families from a state of need to a state of productivity through sustainable support for small enterprises.