Launching the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work for 2011

Under the auspices of Dr. Ali Abdallah, the Minister of Youth and Sport, LOST launched the “Academy of Youth and Municipal Work” for the first season of the year 2011 on January 15, 2011 at Tammouz Hall- Baalbeck. Several political, social and municipal figures attended the event with massive participation of youth and their parents in addition to remarkable presence of many Mukhtars and CSO representatives.
Dr. Ramy Lakkis announced the new programs offered by the Academy for the year 2011, and explained the importance of conducting such programs in Baalbeck-Hermel. In his speech, Dr. Lakkis affirmed that through these programs LOST aims at engaging youth and helping them to become active citizens capable of participating energetically in public life. “These programs, he added, have new methodological approaches that involve youth in instigating positive change in society.”
Dr. Lakkis added that the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work is part of LOST’s strategy in 1) helping people to participate in the development of their society, 2) in demanding national governmental institutions to perform their roles in solving various problems of a deprived region such as Baalbeck-Hermel, and 3) in cooperating with international donors in order to implement new developmental projects at grass-root levels.
At the end, Dr. Lakkis presented the general programs of LOST for the first season of 2011 which includes: women’s empowerment courses, English and computer training courses for youth and teachers, in addition to several social and developmental activities.
Dr. Lakkis’ speech was followed with a speech by the Minister of Youth and Sport Dr. Ali Abdallah who stressed on the role of LOST in developing the skills of youth in different domains. Dr. Abdallah thanked LOST for her generous efforts and hoped that “all the Lebanese ministries and institutions work in the same spirit.”
In his turn, the Kaemakam of Baalbeck Mr. Omar Yasin said that LOST goes ahead in its national course. He added “LOST launches today the project of the Academy of Municipal Work due to the significance of the municipal works in developing local societies”, and he hoped that the Academy can maintain itself as a long term project.
At the end, Dr. Abdullah, Mr.  Yasin and Dr Lakkis  handed “Thank You” letters to the journalists of Baalbeck-Hermel for their efforts in servicing their society.

“Learn by Visit”: Youth Municipalities of LOST visited 3 municipalities in Lebanon

As part of the program “Academy of Youth and Municipal Work” three visits were conducted by youth from three different Youth Municipalities in Hermel, Fakeha and Baalbeck in December 2010 and January 2011. The purposes of the visits were 1) to engage youth from Baalbeck-Hermel in municipal affairs outside their villages in order to help them know and learn more about successful municipal work and projects, 2) to help youth visit different places in Lebanon in order to understand positively the confessional diversity of their country.

The Youth Municipality of Hermel headed by the director of El Hermel Branch, Mr. Hasan Taha visited the municipality of Zahle where they met the mayor Mr. Joseph Maalouf .The youth discussed with Mr. Maalouf different issues focusing on the role of municipalities in promoting local development. After the meeting the Youth Municipality visited Joseph Skaff Park, the municipal library and the tour ended by a lunch in Anjar.

The Youth Municipality of Fakeha chaired by Mr. Abbas Hajj Hussein, the director of Al Ain Branch visited the municipality of Rashaya and met the mayor General Marwan Zaky on 28 December at 9 am.  After accepting the purpose of the visit, the Mayor estimated the essential role of LOST in educating youth on national values and in helping them to become Lebanese active citizens. Mr. Marwan Zaky explained to youth the role of the municipality in building a stable community on the basis of “equality, justice and tolerance”.

On January 7, youth from the Academy in Baalbeck visited the municipality of Tyre. They were welcomed by the Mayor Mr. Hasan Dbouk. After discussing the various municipal affairs with the municipal members, the youth toured in Tyre and discovered the archaeological sites and the waterfront of the city.

 

These visits had a special taste. They helped youth to learn about the importance of municipal work by discovering successful experiences and meeting peoples who had real success in the field. Moreover, the discussions made allowed youth to understand more about the powers and authorities of municipalities in managing community affairs. 

Celebrating Human Rights Day at Al Ain Branch

“We highly estimate your nice gesture and your role in consolidating youth belongingness to their country”, by this expression, the MP Dr. Marwan Fares expressed his gratitude to LOST which organized an eminent ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of Human Rights at Al Ain Branch.
In his speech, the MP Mr. Marwan Fares stressed on the importance of assuring women rights and improving the status of prisons in Lebanon.
In addition, Mr. Mohammad Sokariya from LOST delivered a speech in which he spoke about the importance of celebrating human rights in the region, and he considered that such events help in the dissemination of Human Rights values. He thanked USAID/OTI Lebanon, the Ministry of Education and the various high schools and technical institutions in Lebanon that are in partnership with LOST in this program.  He finally addressed the audience by declaring that “it is our mission all to help developing the talents of youth and enhancing their belongingness to their country”.
The event ended by a play performed by students of the Academy reflecting their understanding of human rights values and application.

150 Youth celebrate Human Rights Day together

LOST organized a special ceremony on the International Day of Human Rights at El Hermel Branch in the presence of several social, political and municipal figures in addition to more than 150 students from the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work.
The exhibition included graphics, handicrafts and plays created by students which reflected their various expressions of human rights principles.
“It is the first time that we celebrate the International Day of Human Rights”, was a statement repeated by many students of the Academy.

Mr. Shemran El Rashiny from LOST delivered a speech in which he emphasized the role of the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work in spreading the culture of peace in the region and in helping all youth to become Lebanese active citizens.
In his turn, General Dr. Abbas Nasrallah said that human rights are the basis of laws in all countries. These rights represent a turning point in the dignity of human being and his/her personal liberties.
At the end, students showed different graphics and handicrafts prepared for the occasion. “It was an event of special taste in Hermel.”

Human Rights Day at Beit Shama Branch

LOST celebrated the International Day of Human Rights on December 19, 2010 at Beit Shama branch with massive participation of youth from the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work. Mr Ahmad Diab, the General Director of Vocational and Technical Education attended the event in addition to several academic, political and municipal figures.
“I felt overwhelmed by this crowd and I really felt exited to be one of the organizers of this big event”, said a youth club student.
Mr. Hussein Yazbeck, Director of Beit Shama Branch delivered a speech in which he considered that human rights principles should be the basic values of each society. He stressed the importance of the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work in educating youth on peace, tolerance and human rights and in developing their skills by using modern technological tools in computer and social media. Mr. Yazbeck thanked the General Director of Vocational and Technical Education and all participants for their generous support.

Mr. Yazbeck’s speech was followed with a speech by Mr. Ahmad Diab who stressed on the role of Lebanon in drafting the International Declaration of Human Rights.
At the end, Dr. Ramy Lakkis, the founder of LOST handed a honoring shield to the General Director of Vocational and Technical Education Mr. Ahmad Diab.

The Lebanese Army thanked LOST

“We highly estimate your generous sensations” by this expression, the Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Kahwaji expressed his gratitude to LOST.

Dear the Administration of the Lebanese Organization of Studies and Training,
We highly estimate your nice gesture to invite the children of the Lebanese Army’s martyrs to attend the special ceremony on Independence Day on November 21, 2010 at King Restaurant-Baalbeck.

As we considerably estimate your sincere patriotism and your genuine solidarity with the military institution, we hope for your generous organization the continuance of prosperity and success.

                                                                 

General Jean Kahwajy
The Lebanese Army Commander
Yarze, on November 29, 2010

Human Rights Day at Baalbeck

“The International Day of Human Rights is my Day!” was the label of an event organized by the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work on December, 11, 2010 at Tammouz Hall –Baalbeck in the presence of Mr. Kameel Semaan representing the General Director of the Ministry of Education Mr. Fadi Yarak and Dr. Ramy Lakkis, the founder of LOST. Several academic, political and municipal figures attended the event in addition to more than 300 high school students from Baalbeck.
 “This is the first time that we celebrate the International Day of Human Rights” was a statement repeated by many students of the Academy.
Mr. Salah Zayter from LOST delivered a speech in which he considered that “the International Day of Human Rights represents a turning point in the dignity of human being and his/her personal liberties”. Mr. Zayter stressed on the importance of the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work in educating youth on peace, tolerance and human rights and in developing their skills in using modern technological tools in computer, social media and Internet in general.
Mr. Zayter’s speech was followed successively with a speech by Mr. Kameel Semaan who thanked LOST for her nice gesture and her role in consolidating youth belongingness to their country, and a play Majless al Wali  performed by youth from the Lebanese Association of Students LAS.
The event ended by offering  a honoring shield to the General Director of the Ministry of Education represented by Mr. Kameel Semaan.

Celebrating Independence at LOST- Hermel

LOST celebrated Independence on December 4 at El Hermel branch with massive participation of youth from the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work. More than 450 people attended; several academic, political, social and municipal figures were invited. The exhibition included graphics, handicrafts and poems created by students which reflected various meanings of independence. Coordinators and students of the Academy were very enthusiastic.
“Here, I felt that independence is a national day. This exhibition reflects our sincere patriotism”, confirmed Iman El Rashini from El Kasar High School.
“Celebrating Independence with LOST gave this day inmost meaning. I found out that the more we work together the better we become. We shared and exchanged the various meanings of independence through different ways (poems, handicrafts) in this exhibition”, said Nour El Nemr from El Hermel High School.  Youth in this event tried to prove how much they love Lebanon through this special activity.  Mohammad El Makhour, a youth club member said “ I am proud to be a member of the academy. This academy helps us to become Lebanese active citizens. This is the first time that we celebrate independence  in Hermel.”
This ceremony ended by distributing flowers and Lebanese flags to all participants.

400 youth celebrate Independence together

“Independence : Sovereignty and Dignity” was the label of the Independence exhibition which was organized by the Academy of Youth and Municipal Work on December 2, 2010 at Tammouz  Hall - Baalbeck. More than ten youth groups representing eight high schools and two youth municipalities participated in this event. “I felt overwhelmed by this crowd and I really felt exited to be one the organizer of this big event. It is the first time that we celebrate Independence Day outside school. Here, I felt that Independence is a national day” confirmed Mohamad Hassan, a youth club coordinator.
The exhibition included graphics, handicrafts and poems created by students which reflected various meanings of “Independence”. All students signed and carved different opinions and expressions on a big Lebanese Flag expressing their sincere patriotism. “The enthusiasm that we saw here is very rare, it looked like we were in a national competition and everyone is trying to prove how much he loves Lebanon: I am proud to be a member of the Academy” said Ahmad Houjeiry. This ceremony ended by distributing flowers and Lebanese flags to all participants.

Medical English at LOST-Baalbeck

Medical English Class

“Medical English” was something far from reach and LOST made it reachable in Baalbeck. There was no chance in our deprived region to even know that such course exists. However, LOST made it available.
Doctors of different medical specializations are attending an English Medical Course at LOST-Baalbeck. Such course is offered by LOST to help medical doctors enriching their background of medical terminologies and idioms.
Most importantly, this course helps satisfying the communicative needs for doctors.