The graduation ceremony of participants of two training programs — the vocational training course on “Flower Arrangement, Soap and Candle Making” and the ReachUp! business and computer training program — was held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., in the Faradjian Hall of the Mesrobian Technical College in Bourj
Hammoud.
The event was organized by JMP–L and ymca.
The welcome speech was delivered by Arsho Zeytlian, a participant of the flower arrangement course. She said that the program was motivating, effective, interesting and beneficial, thanks to the efforts of JMP–L’s director and staff. She added that the program opened new horizons for the participants, including new job opportunities. Zeytlian extended special thanks to all the organizers, wishing that JMP–L continued realizing similar programs.
In her speech, JMP–Lebanon Director Seta Pamboukian noted that the
main objective of both training programs was to lead individuals with socio-economic difficulties to self-sufficiency, so that they can make a living in the future through different jobs. Pamboukian said that developmental projects have a long-term perspective, so that young people and women can have hope and improve their social status in the future.
In his turn, the ymca of Lebanon CEO, Joseph Awad, said that the cooperation between ymca and JMP–L started in 1990 and continues to date, because both organizations have similar concerns and priorities.
Awad added that there is nothing impossible, and people should always strive for change and development. He congratulated all the students of the programs, wishing that they achieved their goals by entering the job market later on.
Next, the attendees watched a video that presented pictures of both programs as well as testimonials of some students.
At the end of the ceremony, diplomas were distributed to the students of the two training programs. In total, 24 students graduated from the “Flower Arrangement, Soap and Candle Making” course and 16 from the last cycle of the ReachUp! program.
After the event, attendees received candles made by the students, and a reception followed.
