Driving inclusive job creation in Lebanon

The Social Enterprise Cluster (SEC), composed of ProAbled and M Social Catering, has emerged as a significant force for job creation and social inclusion in Lebanon. With a strong commitment to providing employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups, SEC has successfully expanded its operations over the past four years. In close collaboration with PUM, projects in IT business, HR management, and hospitality, have contributed to the professionalisation and scaling of SEC’s activities.

ProAbled has played a pivotal role in enhancing the employability of PWDs by focusing on three key areas: training individuals on specialised skills, equipping companies to foster inclusive workplaces, and matching candidates with suitable employers. Given Lebanon’s existing but weakly enforced regulations on workplace inclusion for PWDs, SEC’s initiatives have been instrumental in bridging this gap.

PUM’s support has been particularly impactful in structuring ProAbled’s approach to target the right sectors and scale its efforts efficiently. PUM expert Ashish Dharap collaborated online with social entrepreneur and executive director of ProAbled, Samer Sfeir and his team to develop a training programme in ITC skills. This course eventually equipped 18 participants with mobility and hearing impairments with essential skills, empowering them to pursue better employment opportunities. Recognising the success of this initiative, SEC expanded its training efforts, with an additional 56 young individuals currently enrolled in courses covering data analytics, administrative work, and job readiness.

Direct job opportunities
M Social Catering operates with a dual purpose: generating revenue to support ProAbled’s employment initiatives while creating direct job opportunities. PUM’s collaboration with M Social Catering focused on optimising meal distribution operations, resulting in improved efficiency and an increase in staff. This model has proven very relevant in times of crisis, such as during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, where M Social Catering has redirected efforts to humanitarian aid. To date, 40,000 meals have been distributed, with a commitment to provide 120,000 more.

Expanding impact
Encouraged by its success in Lebanon, SEC is exploring opportunities for regional expansion. A pilot project in Jordan, developed in collaboration with PUM teams in both Lebanon and Jordan, is currently assessing the feasibility of applying the ProAbled model in a new market. This marks an important step in expanding inclusive employment initiatives across the MENA region, strengthening cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Between 2018 and 2024, SEC has seen significant workforce growth, increasing from eight employees to 35 – a 400% increase. The expertise provided, especially through Ashish’s support in digital sector strategies and sector connections, helped SEC streamline production processes, improve digital operations, and expand market reach.

Collaborating with PUM has enabled SEC to increase meal production and respond more effectively to emergency food needs, ultimately driving the 20% revenue growth from 2023 to 2024. Additionally, SEC has prioritised the inclusion of women and youth, aligning with PUM’s commitment to social equity and workforce diversity. The impact of SEC’s initiatives extends beyond direct employment. In 2024 alone, 38 companies received training on inclusive practices, 40 PWDs were equipped with professional skills, and 28 PWDs secured employment. M Social Catering, meanwhile, scaled its meal production to 119,330, responding to urgent food security needs. 

As SEC continues to grow, the focus remains on building a sustainable and inclusive workforce. With the support of PUM and other partners, SEC is ready to expand its impact, offering more individuals the opportunity to develop their skills and secure meaningful and decent employment.

ProAbled’s impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals
ProAbled’s initiatives align closely with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving significant social and economic impact. Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, ProAbled enhances the employability of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by offering consulting and training to companies on inclusive workplace practices, facilitating internships in the technology and hospitality sectors, and providing mentorship and skill development programs for persons with disabilities. These efforts create job opportunities and improve employment standards for PWDs. Additionally, in support of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, ProAbled develops innovative solutions for disability inclusion tailored to the demand in the Middle East to serve clients or hire talents with disabilities, fostering technological advancement. Furthermore, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities is addressed through ProAbled’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that underserved communities, including PWDs, gain access to technology, information, and essential services.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, ProAbled plays a crucial role in building a more inclusive and equitable culture and workforce.