Université La Sagesse hosted the SE.TC (Social Entrepreneurship in times of crises) workshop in Lebanon as part of the Erasmus+ program, demonstrating its continued commitment to fostering social innovation and impact through education.

Organized by the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, the workshop brought together 9 participants with a dedicated team of instructors including Dr. Alain Osta (SE.TC Project Manager at Université La Sagesse), Dr. Ziad Haddad, Dr. Sandreen Hitti, Mr. Ghassan Eid, Mr. Antoine El Miskawy, Mr. Rodolphe Gabriel, and Me Elie Karam.

The curriculum consisted of seven comprehensive modules delivered over seven weeks, totaling three hours of training each week, in line with the SE.TC course structure. These included Social Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Social Impact, Marketing, Digital Tools, Financial and Economic Sustainability, Legal Frameworks, and Business Plan Development.

Participants remained highly engaged throughout the training and showed a strong interest in deepening their understanding of financial literacy, legal structures, and strategies for resilience in times of crisis. Their feedback emphasized the importance of introducing the Legal Frameworks module earlier in the sequence and called for more content that reflects the realities of the Lebanese crisis. This is closely aligned with Université La Sagesse’s commitment to offering education that is both context-aware and socially relevant.

Pitching Ideas for Social Innovation

The workshop concluded on July 25 with a pitching session. Two groups of participants presented their social enterprise projects to a panel of experts who provided constructive feedback and guidance.

Group 1: SoloRaise

Ill Bou Samra and Rania Al Adel, inspired by Rania’s personal experience, proposed SoloRaise, a restaurant and job platform designed to support single mothers. The project impressed the jury with its strong social relevance and potential for real-world impact. Suggestions were made to structure the initiative as a SARL (limited liability company) and to strengthen its transparency, pricing, and recruitment strategies. Additionally, Dr. Sandreen Hitti encouraged the team to explore partnerships with organizations such as the LLWB NGO to enhance the project’s reach and effectiveness.

Group 2: Level Up

Created by Tia Attieh, Carole Dib, and Carl Sawaya, Level UP aims to establish a Center for Life Skills Development to equip Lebanese youth with digital and soft skills. The team highlighted the importance of crisis-management training and self-sustainability, particularly given Lebanon’s unstable socio-economic environment. The jury valued their thoughtful approach and emphasized the need for sensitive communication when addressing educational gaps.

Building a Community of Changemakers

The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Sandra Ghosn, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Dr. Nelly Hobeika, Director of the Center for Continuing Education, and Dr. Alain Osta. Participants were awarded certificates of attendance and completion in recognition of their dedication and achievement.

This workshop exemplifies Université La Sagesse’s commitment to integrating social responsibility and innovation within its academic programs. The university is proud to contribute to social impact education through Erasmus+ and to position social entrepreneurship at the core of our academic mission. By equipping students and community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in times of crisis, the university continues to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development in Lebanon.