Testimonials

Malak graduated from JCCs Beauty School 4 years ago and credits her JCC training and graduation for her current success. She currently owns her own salon and employs recent graduates from JCCs current school because she knows they have been well trained. She not only states that she received an excellent education in Cosmetology, but she also credits the JCC staff with motivating her to succeed. I needed someone to motivate me to want more and this program did. Not only does she love her work, she has gained confidence in her skills and ability. She still works with the program not only by employing graduates but by sharing new techniques and ideas with the staff. There is a strong relationship of respect and trust between her salon and the school, just another bonus of the program! Malak never thought she was capable of owning her own business and the beginning was tough. She worked out of her home for 5 months and her husband supported her work. With much perseverance, she built up a clientele and was able to open a shop. She has a good reputation within the community and continues to educate herself on the newest techniques. She has her clients trust and the salon is doing very well. So much so, she wants to expand her business to another location. She is excited for her future and it all started with JCCs program.

Mohammed entered into our Electronic / Computer / Electricity program in 2010-2011. At the time, he was unemployable as a 40-year-old man with no proper training. He took odd jobs for years, but he always wanted to learn a skill. He was the only elder in the classroom with a bunch of what can be unruly teenage boys. He became their mentor, kept them all in line, and offered fatherly advice. As a result, the class rarely had disciplinarian problems. He is now working freelance jobs and still helps out at our Sabra center. He offers his services for free for those in need. He says its important to him to give back what he has received. He is thankful for the opportunity JCC gave him; he was given a second chance at an older age which is a rarity. JCC is one of the very few organizations that will take on older students; Mohammed is a big reason of why we do.

Iman was accepted into JCCs English and Computer course several years ago. At that time, she had failed Grade 10 and had dropped out of secondary school. During JCCs course, she reapplied to scholastic year of Grade 10. She was accepted and after her JCC course she not only passed Grade 10 but continued on to graduate secondary school. She had the confidence and motivation to attend University and studied Psychology. She married after school and had two children. This did not stop her studies; she went on to receive her MA in Psychology at a local university while taking care of her family. She has immigrated to Canada where she specializes in working with children and trauma. When she visits Beirut, she returns to the Sabra Center to give workshops on how to work with children in trauma. This is extremely valuable and much needed for our JCC staff working in an area with people who experience trauma daily. As a result of her relationship and respect for our Sabra center, she continues to share her knowledge with us and is a valuable resource.

Mohammad Ali lives in a Palestinian refugee camp in the south of Lebanon and works as a school bus driver. He owns his bus but with 5 children , he can hardly keep up with the essential expenses. Hearing about the agriculture course offered at our farm Mohammad decided to join. He found the course enjoyable and beneficial and decided to practice his new skill on the roof of his house. His success motivated him to find a plot of land in the area where he lived and planted it with thyme and cabbage. His produce sold well and he was soon earning the extra income he needed. He is continually expressing his gratitude to JCC for providing him with this opportunity.