Junior Chamber International- Jableh holds “Craft and Art” bazaar

“Syrian youth face challenges in integrating into the local labor market, as the labor market is constantly changing and requires practical skills and new crafts. Therefore, we seek to raise the ideas and ambitions of young people to the level of entrepreneurship and support them in the light of the major challenges in our local society” Hala Hajouz, President of the Junior Chamber International- Jableh JCI for the year 2024 told Syriatimes e-newspaper on the sideline of “Craft and Art” bazaar held in Jableh recently.

The bazaar, launched by JCI-Jableh, showcased different artworks and handicrafts including making candles, accessories, painting on glass, and others works that were made by the beneficiaries of the “Kaizen” training project to support and develop youth skills.

Hajouz indicated that the bazaar is the culmination of efforts that continued over a period of two months within the “Kaizen” project, from which 16 male and female trainees benefited,  adding the project is a first step to entering the labor market, as it allows participants to communicate directly  with customers, introducing their products, and enhancing economic and social opportunities within the local community in Jableh.

In turn, Reem Al-Dakr, Vice-president of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said that the bazaar included about 28 display tables for small business owners, which enhances the exchange of ideas and experiences.

The Kaizen project manager, Aya Suleiman, stressed that the primary goal is to teach young people a simple profession or craft that forms the nucleus for establishing a small project that will achieve financial returns for them, indicating that the training included making candles, accessories, handicrafts, and artistic pieces using sand and other ingredients available in the market and the local environment.

Hoda Boulad’s participation in the bazaar came through  artistic paintings that reflect the beauty and magic of coastal nature, while the young man Jaafar displayed his works, including drawing on sand, designing boats, and decorating with seashells.

Both of them stressed the importance of such exhibitions and festivals in marketing and promotion.

In turn, Dania Fando expressed her happiness at participating in the bazaar to introduce her talent in face painting, while Haneen Ahmed indicated that she learned to make sweets and cakes of all kinds from her mother, and aspires to continue this project and develop it in the future according to the available capabilities.

The products of the young woman, Walaa Othman, included artistic pieces and distinctive gifts made of burlap, mirrors, and decorations. She pointed out that the difficulty of securing raw materials and their high prices are among the most prominent obstacles hindering small projects.

It is worth to mention that the JCI – Syria was established in 2004 as a youth committee for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and currently includes 11 local chambers. They are Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Lattakia, Suwayda, Tartous, Al-Wadi, Baniyas, Old Damascus, Jableh and Jaramana.