The ILO trains a new pool of SIYB master trainers in the Arab States

© ILO/ June 2024/ Beirut, Lebanon

© ILO/ June 2024/ Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon (ILO News)- The ILO completed a crucial milestone in a multi-month process for developing SIYB Master Trainers for the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme with a training of master training candidates from the Arab States from June 24th to July 5th, 2024. 18 participants from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and 3 from the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) participated in the training.

This training consists of a 2-week face-to-face workshop, followed by a phase where the Master Trainer candidates conduct supervised training of SIYB trainers, workshop certification processes, and competency reinforcement workshops.

Existing ILO projects in the Arab region, particularly in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the oPt, have implemented the SIYB program by organizing and delivering training of trainers (ToTs) to locally recruited trainers. These trainers, in turn, provide training to entrepreneurs (ToEs) with the aim of creating economic opportunities and employment.

To enhance the programme's sustainability and expand SIYB implementation in the Arab States, the ILO has focused on developing high-performing trainers into Master Trainers. This ensures that Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, and other countries in the region have Master Trainers capable of conducting higher-level functions, such as training additional trainers during and beyond project lifespans.

The SIYB implementation model follows a three-tier structure comprising Master Trainers, Trainers, and potential/existing Entrepreneurs. This tiered approach ensures quality control across all three levels. Successful implementation of any SIYB package requires extensive capacity development of trainers using established guidelines and quality assurance criteria.

The investment in developing high-performing trainers into Master Trainers promotes sustainability and scalability within countries and across the region. The SIYB training program focuses on supporting entrepreneurs at various stages of business creation and operation, with four different training modules. Development projects in the region have contributed to training trainers and entrepreneurs on the first three modules (GYB, SYB, IYB), creating a pool of trainers eligible for enrolment in a Training of Master Trainers cycle.

The training held in Beirut aimed to introduce the Master Trainer candidates to their roles, including selecting and supporting SIYB partner institutions, developing SIYB Trainers, managing the certification process, monitoring the SIYB program, and contributing to the development of SIYB materials.

After the training, the Master Trainer candidates will execute a supervised ToT cycle under the guidance of Master Trainer Developers. This process involves reaching out to relevant institutions, informing them about the SIYB program, identifying possible partnerships, selecting SIYB Trainer candidates, conducting needs assessments, executing the SIYB ToT seminar, conducting follow-up activities, and certifying the SIYB Trainer candidates.

The ILO ROAS Deputy Country Director Peter Rademaker stated, "We take pride in bringing together trainers from Yemen, Iraq, Occupied Palestine Territories, and Lebanon, despite the challenges the country is currently facing. Our objective is to maintain a high standard of entrepreneurship training, enabling trainers to establish sustainable businesses and, importantly, to set up SIYB as a regional brand in the Arab World for high-quality entrepreneurship training. Through the establishment of regional links and networks, the SIYB ToMT initiative creates a dynamic learning environment."

Mrs. Sibongile Sibanda, SIYB Master Trainer considered “Well trained and mentored Master trainers are a strategic pillar in the SIYB program. Finally, the ILO Middle East has invested in a Master Trainer Development process. The 18 Master Trainers will change the face and quality of the SIYB programme”.

Mrs. Badra Alawa, the ILO Regional Enterprise Specialist, emphasized that “this is a key milestone towards the creation of a robust support system that nurtures entrepreneurship and contributes to sustainable development and decent work in the Arab States. The Regional SIYB ToMT aims ultimately to contribute to responding to the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs, providing relevant, practical, and context-specific training.” Building on and consolidating the efforts across various ILO initiatives supported by different donors, this program establishes a comprehensive framework to address the multifaceted challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

Projects:

• Enabling job resilience and protecting decent work conditions in rural communities affected by Syrian refugees crisis in Northern Lebanon project (ENABLE), funded by the European Union.
• Building Inclusive Markets and Decent Work for Syrian Refugees and Lebanese Host Communities (BOUZOUR), funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
• Partnership for improving prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities (PROSPECTS) Iraq and Lebanon, Funded by Government of the Netherlands.
• Support Resilient Livelihoods and Food Security in Yemen (ERRY III) project, funded by the European Union.
• Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq funded by KfW Iraq.
• “Towards more and better employment through enhanced support to private sectors in southern Iraq – with a focus on green business“, funded by The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).