11/08/2026
Inclusion becomes meaningful when we experience it together. 💙
On Wednesday, 15 July 2026, we welcomed Matthias Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Lebanon, and Richard Epstein, Head of the Employment Promotion in Lebanon II (EPL II) Project, to the IDEAL food and beverage training site in Tripoli.
The visit created space for meaningful conversations with trainees about their experiences, ambitions, and future employment goals.
It then moved into the kitchen, where participants were preparing crêpes and demonstrating the practical skills they are developing through the programme. 👩🍳
At IDEAL, trainees with and without disabilities learn side by side. This shared learning environment helps challenge assumptions, reduce fear, build confidence, and show what inclusion can look like in practice.
During the visit, Richard Epstein encouraged the trainees:
“Believe in yourself. Set goals and follow these goals, and then you can achieve a lot. I encourage all of you to try, because it is in you in the first place.”
— Richard Epstein
Matthias Wagner also highlighted the importance of creating inclusive environments and raised awareness about Lebanon’s Law 220/2000.
More than a site visit, it was a moment of listening, encouragement, learning, and shared commitment to more inclusive employment opportunities.
Thank you to Matthias Wagner and Richard Epstein for engaging directly with our trainees and witnessing the program in action.
The IDEAL project, under Employment Promotion in Lebanon II, is implemented by shareQ and GIZ in partnership with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA). It is funded by Germany (BMZ) .
