Evolve’s journey was born in the wake of the tragic Beirut port explosion, a catastrophe that left an indelible mark on Lebanon.

The city was reduced to rubble—over 3,000 lives lost, thousands more injured, and countless families left to grapple with unimaginable hardship. Darkness enveloped Beirut, not only in the physical destruction but in the deepening despair fueled by systemic corruption and neglect.

As I witnessed the devastation, I felt an urgent call to act. My thoughts were consumed by the people of Lebanon and how I could make a difference. Families were not only facing financial ruin but also battling emotional trauma, with many struggling to find work in a collapsing economy. A mother’s words still haunt me: "I have two kids in school. My husband lost his job, and I’ve never worked before. How will I keep my family alive through this crisis?" She spoke through tears, her voice trembling with fear and uncertainty.

While donations from the global diaspora provided some immediate relief, I couldn’t shake a lingering question: What about the future? How could we create lasting solutions?

It became painfully clear that Lebanon was teetering on the edge of a socio-economic collapse, one that risked exacerbating vulnerabilities like human trafficking and exploitation.

During a recent visit to Lebanon, I took time to reflect deeply, asking myself, "What can I do to create meaningful, lasting change?"

The answer was clear: vocational education. A pathway for individuals to gain practical, marketable skills to rebuild their lives and futures.

We envisioned a series of training programs designed to empower people—especially women and young adults—by equipping them with sustainable career skills that can often be practiced from the comfort of their own homes. Our initial programs focus on careers such as skincare specialists, nail technicians, massage therapists, food safety experts, and launching small food businesses. Over time, we aim to expand into fields like elderly care, professional housekeeping, and childcare services.

Evolve is committed to helping those who were left behind—whether due to early marriages, lack of access to education, or being unable to join the workforce. Through our programs, participants gain the confidence and practical skills needed to rewrite their stories and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first training center in Sin-El-Fil, which offers courses across five core career tracks. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower communities through education.

Looking ahead, Evolve is determined to extend its reach to more cities and villages in need. With the continued support of the diaspora, we plan to establish vocational schools in underserved areas, ensuring access to opportunity for those who need it most.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Our team is actively partnering with other NGOs to ensure our efforts enhance and complement the work already being done. By working together, we amplify the collective impact on the ground.

Additionally, Evolve conducts in-depth studies in every community we serve. This ensures our programs are tailored to the specific needs of each village or city, creating solutions that truly resonate with the people.

Today, Evolve is proud to announce the signing of two key Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs):

The first is with Notre Dame de Louaizé, where experts from the Department of Food Safety and Food Production, along with the Nursing Department, are delivering comprehensive training to our students. Thanks to generous donations, Evolve is covering all costs, including trainer fees and certification expenses—ensuring the programs remain completely free for participants.

The second is with the American University of Beirut’s Elderly Care Department. Their distinguished nursing faculty is providing specialized training, and the certificates are issued directly by AUB, further adding credibility to the program.

These partnerships are just the beginning. Together, we are creating opportunities, restoring hope, and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow in Lebanon.