A Cleaning campaign in the ruins of Baalbeck

The Academies of Youth in Baalbeck, Ein, Chmostar and Hermel (LOST) in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and the Lebanese Army launched a cleaning campaign in the Ruins of Baalbeck on Saturday July 23rd. More than 160 students from various high schools of Baalbeck- Hermel participated in this campaign. Ali Meqdad, a youth club member confirmed that “this campaign is a remarkable activity that teaches youth how to be more connected to their heritage and culture.”
Dr. Ramy Lakkis, the founder of LOST explained that the campaign is one practical activity of the Academy of Youth that LOST is conducting for summer 2011 in cooperation with Action Aid- Denmark. Dr. Lakkis added that such Academy aims at building the capacity of youth men and women and helping them to participate effectively in the development of their local communities.
The Academy of Youth 2011 project consists of two main components. The first one is made up of numerous workshops on citizenship, civic participation and conflict resolution. The second part includes theater training and several civic activities.
 “It was a day of special taste. It was a chance provided by LOST to serve our community and protect the famous archeological sites in our region” said Zeinab Ismail from the Academy of Youth.

Poetry evening at LOST-Beit Shema

As part of the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work program, LOST-Beit Shema branch organized a poetry evening for the Lebanese poet Mr. Sleiman Jomaa in the presence of several political, social and academic figures.
After the Lebanese Anthem, Miss Hanine Mahfoud from LOST welcomed the audience and explained the main objectives of LOST. “LOST seeks to contribute to the social and economic development of the community of Baalbeck- Hermel by enhancing youth capacities and developing youth talents” said Miss Mahfoud.
Following Miss Mahfoud's welcoming note a speech delivered by Mr. Alaa Abi Raad from LOST who explained the various programs offered by LOST  which include: Medical English, Women’s Empowerment, IT and Social Media courses in addition to English Summer School and French Summer School. Mr. Abi Raad affirmed that these programs are intended to help, train and educate local residents, be they women, teenagers or young children in order to create a more developed society.
In his turn, the Lebanese poet Mr. Sleiman Jomaa delivered to the audience a set of his most beautiful poems.
The event ended by distributing English and IT certificates to LCEC students who have successfully completed English and IT courses at LOST center.

English and IT Certificate Distribution in Hermel

The Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training organized a graduation ceremony on June 26th, 2011 at Hermel  in the presence of the manager of Mabarrat in Hermel Mr. Mohammad Saaid and several social and academic figures.

After the Lebanese Anthem, a short film highlighting the different educational programs offered by LOST was presented. Mr. Ahmad Sahely from LOST talked about the projects implemented Hermel in 2011 and its importance in reducing poverty and eliminating exclusion in local communities.

In his turn, Dr. Ramy Lakkis, the founder of LOST delivered a speech in which he affirmed that the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work is part of LOST’S strategy in helping youth to become active citizens capable of participating effectively in public life.

The event ended by handing a honoring shield to Mr. Mohammad Saaid who thanked LOST for her nice gesture and by distributing more than 40 certificates to English and IT trainees.

Distributing certificates to English and IT trainees

The Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training organized a graduation ceremony on June 20th, 2011 in Baalbeck in the presence of several political, social and academic figures. More than 60 trainees were handed certificates in English and IT.
Among the trainees were four Mokhtars from Baalbeck who have attended a computer course, 20 women who have attended English and IT courses at LOST center in addition to doctors of different medical specializations who have subscribed in an English Medical Course in order to enrich their background of medical terminologies and idioms. More than 20 teachers have successfully completed a “Methodology of Teaching” course and received certificates.
At the end, Dr. Ramy Lakkis handed “Thank You” letters to the sports’ teachers   of Baalbeck-Hermel for their participation in the Baalbeck Race “Run for Lebanon” that was held in May 2011.

Poetry Evening at LOST- Ein

The Academy of Youth and Municipal Work at LOST-Ein branch organized a poetry evening for the Lebanese Poet Mr. Hany Soukarieh with massive participation of political, social and academic figures.
After the Lebanese Anthem, Mr. Hussein El Mawla from LOST welcomed the audience and explained the role of the Academy in developing youth talents.
In his turn, the Lebanese poet Mr. Hany Soukarieh presented a bouquet of his most beautiful poems.
Moreover, Nibal Harba from Ein Youth Club talked about the “hosting program” organized by LOST as part of the “Academy of Youth and Municipal Work” program. She stressed on the importance of such program in breaking ice and reducing sectarian divide among youth from different sects.
“Such activity had a deep impact on us since it helped us to accept our friends and partners from other sects”, added Nibal Harba.
The poetry evening ended by offering a honoring shield to the Lebanese Poet Mr. Hany Soukarieh.