Both Almass and Lubna arrived in Lebanon as children when war broke out in Syria. They had both been in school until ninth grade but had to stop due to the legal barriers that refugees face in Lebanon. Years earlier, they sought academic support at Manara Youth Center in Burj Hammoud (an overpopulated Beirut suburb), which offers an array of services for youth including tutoring. There, they heard about the launch of the Vocational Training Program (also located in Burj Hammoud) and decided to enroll in the sewing course together.
A Journey into Sewing
Lubna had always enjoyed crafting and making clothes for her toys as a child. When she expressed interest in learning something new, Almass encouraged her to join the sewing class at VTP so they could learn together. Almass had inherited her passion for sewing from her mother, who taught her to crochet.
At VTP, the two friends immersed themselves in sewing, embroidery, and crochet. Almass, for instance, made a wool hat and a shawl, feeling proud when she completed them—even more so when she had to redo a piece and finally got it right. Although they both loved working with yarn the most, they embraced the challenge of learning to use a sewing machine.
Finding a Home at VTP
Lubna also found a home in the sewing program, spending most of her days at VTP. She valued not only the skills she learned but also the encouragement and patience of her trainer, Joyce. “Everything is great at VTP,” Lubna shared. “The way the teachers treat us, their patience and emotional support—it felt like home.”
Beyond sewing, the program also introduced the girls to business skills. Lubna, for instance, developed a business project creating fabric products for babies, such as quilts and toys. She also set up an Instagram business account, waiting for the right moment to launch her venture.
Although both Almass and Lubna have graduated from the program, they continue to return, whether to help with orders or simply stay connected to the community that has nurtured them. Almass, who once learned crochet from her mother, now applies those skills in ways she never imagined. Lubna, fueled by her childhood dream of making clothes, is preparing to take her first steps as an entrepreneur.
Sharing Christ at VTP
For them, VTP was more than just a course; it was a place where they found friendship and hope. Moreover, Almass and Lubna have been attending the center’s outreach events. These events, including Easter, Christmas, and Valentine’s, aim to engage everyone at the center with the message of resurrection, aligning with YFC Lebanon’s vision of sharing Christ’s love. Among these participants, many attend regular discipleship sessions. During these sessions, youth workers study the Bible with a group of serious believers, all from the majority religious background in the region. Despite potential challenges, these students courageously attended weekly to explore and discuss the Bible.
Our staff aim to demonstrate Christ’s love and share God’s Word with the youth we serve. We continually pray for the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.