A DPO in a war-torn country running a vocational training and job support centre for young people with disabilities

QADER’s Q-Hub in Palestine empowers youth with disabilities with jobs and business training. From 2020-2024, it trained 568 people, leading to 24 jobs and 42 self-employment opportunities.

QADER is a leading DPO in Palestine (West Bank area), supported by international NGOs such as CBM, Oxfam, and Save the Children. QADER’s Q-Hub, established in 2020 and based in Beit Jala, is an inclusive facility for the economic empowerment of young persons with disabilities in the labour market. The Q-Hub, which offers training both to find jobs and to become self-employed, also runs a business helpline and an online job-platform. From 2020 to mid-2024, of the 568 persons trained, 24 found a job and 42 became self-employed.

Problems Targeted

In war-torn Palestine (West Bank) the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the labour market and the lack of inclusive employment and entrepreneurial opportunities is overwhelming.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

QADER’s Q-Hub, established in 2020 in Beit Jala, is an inclusive facility for the economic empowerment of young persons with disabilities in the labour market. The Q-Hub offers training both to find jobs and to become self-employed: Soft Skills and Job Readiness Track: 50 hours of life skills and job readiness training over 10 days, followed by a 3-month paid internship at local employers. Entrepreneurship Track: 50 hours of business plan development training with individual coaching, followed by seed funding for top business plans. Vocational and Technical Track: intensive training at accredited vocational training centres. Talent Development Track: Helps participants develop their talents into personal income sources. Jobs are usually created within schools, municipalities, or service-oriented businesses, such as hairdressers, teachers, administrative assistants, and archivists. When starting new small businesses, fashion boutiques, auto repair services, mosaic art, photography, and kindergartens are most common. Q-Hub also runs a business helpline and an online job-platform. From 2020 to mid-2024, of the 568 persons trained, 24 found a job and 42 became self-employed.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Q-Hub is funded by international NGOs and local fundraising efforts. The programme aims to expand its reach and include more types of disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities. Future plans include enhancing the online platform and increasing partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions.  (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

QADER’s Q-Hub focuses on economic empowerment of young people with disabilities.

QADER’s Q-Hub focuses on economic empowerment of young people with disabilities.

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