Education is central to development. It is the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalized adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty, better understand and improve their health, create sustainable livelihoods and obtain the means to participate more fully in their communities. It has been proven that education is a great driver of social, economic and political progress; as people learn to read, count and reason critically, their prospects for health and prosperity expand. Hence, when children have an access to education, it furthers their opportunities, providing knowledge and skills, preparing them for employment and entrepreneurship, and shapes their worldview. Education is perhaps the most adaptable tool for unlocking resources required to address poverty and its crippling effects. Knowledge gives children the power to dream of a better future and the confidence needed to pursue a full education, which in turn will help generations to come.

In line with this, GNRC in partnership with End Child Poverty and Annas Linnas, conducted a two months educational project for children and youth in Lebanon. The project was initiated on 11^th June 2018 reaching to the unprivileged and refugee children living in Lebanon. The project entailed teaching students English, categorized into two; English Course Level 1 and English Course Level 2, taught on Monday and Thursday of every week.

The aim of the project was to equip children with knowledge and build their English language skills to enable them access social amenities in the public spaces and to get jobs in Lebanon. This was also to enhance their communication skills in various platforms. The project brought together a total of thirty two (32) trainees. Participants were excited to learn about:

• The “details of the basic English“
• The new methodology of teaching the language.
• Practicing the English language so as to prepare them for employment and entrepreneurship thus helping themselves and their families in curbing poverty.

To mark the end of the project, Annas Linnas together with Labora Association, organized a graduation ceremony in South Lebanon on the 13^th of August 2018 to celebrate those who excelled in the course. Present was Mr. Boutros Moussa, Director of Labora Offices, Mr. Hassan Fawaz Assistant Coordinator, GNRC–Lebanon, and parents. The students were evaluated and awarded certificates of participation.

At the end of the project, they were able to understand basic English language as an essential tool in the job market, learning as an approach to end poverty and learning together to promote peaceful co-existence. The trainees thanked Arigatou International – GNRC and Annas Linnas for their contribution.

Arigatou International – GNRC aspires to rally resources from likeminded partners and work with faith–inspired organizations to nurture and mentor the children to contribute to a better world free of violence and poverty.