Sustainability at the Academy of Continuing Education

The LAU Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the content and outcomes of its diverse programs. It offers more than 65 courses in various modalities: remote, in-person, hybrid and asynchronous. Through these offerings, the academy contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education as they are presented to the public and the community beyond the university’s student body. They also address SDG 17; Partnership for the Goals as they tackle and promote the SDGs.

Two of the academy’s offerings stand out as having demonstrated a far-reaching impact in Lebanon. The Crafts, Arts and Vocational programs have, for two years now, encouraged women to develop their own enterprises in partnership with artisans and entrepreneurs. A similar program, the Women Entrepreneurship Diploma Program, advocates for gender inclusivity in the Lebanese labor market, by offering women in rural and peri-urban areas the opportunity to build their skills and identify their business niche. Each of these programs has reached more than 200 women across the country, contributing to SDG4: Quality Education and SDG5: Gender Equality.

Increased power cuts in Lebanon over recent years due to the economic and financial crises have led to a demand for alternative power sources, particularly solar power. In the context of an unorganized market and a shortage of trained professionals, ACE developed a training program to build the capacities of photovoltaic (PV) technicians in the solar energy market. The program encompasses around 100 hours of training on design and engineering, installation and safety, commercial and legal aspects, and work ethics, addressing SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

On the inclusivity front, ACE has established a number of programs to help build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions across the board. A couple of programs stand out.

The second is a specially designed teacher-training program for every cohort of Teach for Lebanon fellows, namely fresh graduates who go on to teach in underserved schools across the country. Through this, the academy serves SDG1: No Poverty and SDG10: Reduced Inequalities as the program seeks to improve access to basic services for all. Both programs also attest to the academy’s contribution to SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

A wide array of other courses, certificates, diplomas and training programs at ACE also attest to SDG3: Good Health and Well-Being, such as the Food Safety Program, offered to industry professionals in collaboration with the ministries of Industry and Agriculture. Other programs promote fitness, mental health and risk management, and are offered to healthcare professionals, health coaches and psychologists.