Under the patronage of former Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs, Dr. Hector Hajjar, Sela Association inaugurated its third strategic project, Mada for Training and Development. This initiative is funded by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and supervised by the Taawon Welfare Association.

Mada Center aims to empower youth and women through vocational training and facilitate their integration into the labor market.

The inauguration ceremony featured several distinguished speakers:

• Amal Hassan, Director of Sela, highlighted the center's significance as a milestone in development. She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Hajjar for his patronage, the Arab Fund for its generous support, and Taawon for its supervision. She also announced the approval of six vocational courses for 2025, supported by the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO).
• Wafaa Shuaib, representing the Mayor of Sidon, commended the center’s role in empowering women and harnessing youth potential. She emphasized Saida Municipality's commitment to fostering initiatives that serve the community.
• Eng. Bader Al-Sumait, Director-General of IICO, praised the Sela-IICO partnership for advancing sustainable development through training programs. He expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, recognizing Mada Center as a gateway to opportunities for individuals and a driver of long-term growth. He also extended his gratitude to the Arab Fund, Taawon Welfare Association, and Dr. Hajjar for their vital roles in this project.
• Sawsan Al-Masry, Director of Taawon Welfare Association, reflected on the challenges of establishing the center and the transformative role of education in development. She emphasized that, despite Lebanon’s and the region’s hardships, education and future investments remain the foundation for sustainable progress.
• Adel Al-Shabab, representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, lauded Sela’s efforts in training youth and women. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting such development-focused initiatives.

The event also featured:

• A presentation on the 2025 vocational training courses by Sultana Jumaa, Sela’s Programmes and Projects Manager.
• An introductory overview of Mada Center, followed by a guided tour of its various departments.

Mada Center stands as a beacon of development, dedicated to building resilient communities and empowering individuals to drive sustainable progress.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Samir Jarrad for his unwavering belief in and continuous support of Sela Association.

A heartfelt thank you to the Arab Fund for its outstanding contributions and commitment to sustainable development. Its initiatives and projects play a pivotal role in fostering growth and prosperity within our communities. We deeply value your trust in our mission to empower individuals and institutions to achieve their aspirations.