In the latest of its efforts to help communities in South Lebanon
and the Bekaa Valley recover from the conflict in Lebanon nearly a
year ago, IOM will today start a four-month course to help 15 women
from three villages near Baalbeck to receive training allowing them
to start up their own beauty care businesses.

In late May, 20 women from Baalbeck began a three-month
vocational course also offered by IOM on embroidery. At the end,
the women will have new skills with an opportunity to earn a living
by making scarves and dresses typical of the city, known as Al
Taarek, which are traditionally sold in the Gulf region, including
to royal families.

IOM's Beligian government-funded programme focuses on
diversifying livelihood options in South Lebanon and the Bekaa
Valley, the areas most affected last year, through skills
development and capacity building based on the availability of
local natural and human resources.

The Organization is also giving in-kind grants to small rural
and urban businesses based on local market needs and skills in each
village. Nearly 70 families will benefit from the initiative on
such enterprises as carpentry, blacksmithing, barber shops and milk
production and honey bee holding while another 40 butchers in
Baalbeck will benefit from funding for some equipment at a
slaughterhouse.

In South Lebanon, the Organization is looking at helping meet
some of the urgent agricultural needs such as the provision of
essential farming equipment and the rehabilitation of
greenhouses.

For further information, please contact:

Rana Jaber

IOM Beirut

Tel +961-70992831

E-mail: "mailto:rjabertdy@iom.int">rjabertdy@iom.int