Design Thinking workshop – REAF Program – Youth training - Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck (Riyaq to Baalbeck)

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

The Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program aims at strengthening the business and product viability of innovative startups tackling sustainable rural economic development operating in South Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa. The program will provide the startups with the tools to transform their ideas into sustainable and profitable businesses. REAF’s youth training will enhance their entrepreneurship mentality and entry into the job market.

We are seeking 2 experienced experts to deliver each 2 cohorts in each targeted areas (Hasbaya & Southern Baalbeck) of design thinking workshops aimed at empowering rural youth in Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck to develop innovative projects and ideas in the fields of agri-food, waste valorization, clean and efficient energy, and circular economy. The workshops will equip participants with the skills and mindset necessary to create sustainable and impactful solutions to local challenges.

Each expert will be responsible for conducting 2 cohorts over 2 days in each targeted area covering the following 5 topics. Target of 25 participants per cohort.

Introduction to Design Thinking: Provide an overview of design thinking principles, methodologies, and their relevance to addressing real-world challenges.

Empathy and User-Centered Design: Guide participants in understanding the importance of empathizing with end-users and communities, conducting field research, and identifying their needs and pain points.

Problem Definition and Reframing: Assist participants in defining and reframing complex challenges into actionable problem tree, taking into consideration the unique context of the rural area.

Low fidelity prototyping and Iteration: Teach participants how to develop low-fidelity prototypes of their ideas, encouraging quick experimentation, iteration, and refinement.

• Sessions outlined activities and learning materials for each of the five main topics.
• Engaging and interactive workshop sessions that cater to the learning needs of rural youth and encourage active participation.
• Support materials, such as templates and resources, for participants to use during and after the workshops.
• Guidance on selecting and utilizing appropriate tools and techniques for design thinking in the specified domains (agri-food, waste valorization, clean and efficient energy, and circular economy).
• Final report to be submitted to Berytech, including participant feedback and progress.

• Extensive experience in facilitating design thinking workshops, preferably in rural or community settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in agri-food, ecotourism, and circular economy concepts, and a keen understanding of the associated challenges and opportunities.
• Strong background in human-centered design methodologies, with a focus on empathetic problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with and inspire diverse groups of youth.
• Proven track record of fostering innovation, ideally within rural or grassroots contexts.
• Availability to conduct a series of workshops over 2 days in Hasbaya and Southern Baalbeck.