SALALEM: Prosperity & Advancement for Young Women and Youth with Disabilities Project

Within the Economic Empowerment Program, QADER is implementing the “Prosperity & Advancement for Young Women and Youth with Disabilities (SALALEM)” Project in partnership with Catholic Relief Services as the lead implementing organization and with funding from  Global Affairs Canada. “SALALEM” is an innovative five-year project that focuses on improving the skills and professional networks of youth with disabilities (YwD), both male and female,  between the ages of 18-35 years old, and enabling them to enter and remain in the labor market. 

The project offers two tracks; first is participation in formal internships through cooperation with private businesses and NGOs, and second through small business management. The two tracks include intensive training sessions to prepare the participants to enter the labor market. Furthermore, the project offers assistance to implement workplace inclusion improvement plans, which may include workplace accommodation for YwD and/or improved policies to increase inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Further, this project seeks to build support from key influencers in the home, workplace, and community, thus creating an enabling environment in which youth with disabilities realize increased agency and self-reliance. Through SALALEM, these marginalized individuals will become better prepared for jobs, with opportunities to contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.