04/21/2024 – 09:44 AM
Washington – Antoine Matta
Notre Dame University (NDU), headed by Father Bechara El-Khoury, organized a comprehensive meeting at the Lebanese Embassy in Washington.
The meeting was hosted by the Chargé d’Affairs at the Embassy, Wael Hashem, and the Minister of Education and Higher Education in the caretaker government, Abbas Al-Halabi, participated in it, in addition to MPs Ibrahim Kanaan, George Okais, Michel Moawad, Nadim Al-Jamil, Wadah Al-Sadiq, Mark Daou, and a large number of community members. Lebanese, representatives of USAID and friends of the university.
The meeting began with the Lebanese and American anthems, and was presented by the director of public affairs and protocol at the university, the journalist Majid Bouhadir.
Wael Hashem
Beginning with a welcome speech from the Chargé d’Affairs at the Embassy, Wael Hashem, who said: “We face great challenges in education in Lebanon these days. Our embassy has worked hard over the past three years to keep the education system in Lebanon strong. We have cooperated with the United States government and Congress, trying to obtain For more support for education in Lebanon during this difficult period, I can tell you that in all these dialogues and exchanges, we received positive comments that encourage that the education system in Lebanon is a model for the region and deserves investment in it, and Notre Dame University is the best example of this.”
Father Bechara El Khoury
In turn, the university’s president, Father Bechara El-Khoury, considered that “the mission of human building at the NDU is a comprehensive responsibility, towards history and the future, and its effort to preserve Lebanon as an educational center and an example for the East. Our educational system, which is inspired by the American counterpart, has produced thousands of first-class graduates who have In traditional Lebanese, or perhaps Phoenician, fashion, they spread across the globe, leaving an unforgettable mark on countless institutions, companies, universities, and NGOs. We adopted the American liberal arts education system in 1987. We believed it was the right thing to do then. This is still true today. But our commitment to education dates back to before the birth of the United States. In 1736, a decision was issued by the Synod of Maronite Bishops at the Council of Louaize that quality education be available and compulsory for all, and thus, the pursuit of knowledge and learning is embedded in our culture. Today we are accredited by several global bodies including NECHE. We are also committed to inclusive education and want our doors to be open to all Lebanese, regardless of background, religion, gender or economic status. We are among the few universities that offer generous financial aid packages to applicants.
In addition, we are one of the first universities in Lebanon to develop a program specifically for students with special needs. In the spirit of determination and flexibility, the distinctive features of the Lebanese character, we insist on caring for our students in all circumstances. In 2019, an unprecedented economic crisis swept the country, resulting in a 95% loss in the value of our currency. Our economy has been upended ever since. However, despite the financial difficulties, we still have a way to accept all qualified applicants. Today, with the University Friends Association, we are taking a firm step forward.”
Abbas Al-Halabi
For his part, the Minister of Education thanked the university for its continuous efforts in the field of education, stressing the importance of supporting universities in achieving economic and social development in Lebanon. He stressed his pride in the position that Notre Dame University has taken among the major universities, praising its ancient history. He pointed out that the educational file has emerged from danger despite all the challenges, stressing the continuation of the educational system and the keenness to purify the atmosphere of higher education.
As for Michel Chammas, who was elected President of the American Friends of NDU (AFNDU), he emphasized “the association’s important role in supporting Notre Dame University and its students,” declaring “the association’s pledge to continue promoting such values and directing its support to the university’s short- and long-term goals.” “Including supporting students under difficult circumstances and contributing to achieving the university’s ambitions to establish a permanent presence in the United States.”
Finally, Father Al-Khoury presented a memorial gift to the Chargé d’Affairs, Wael Hashem, as an expression of his thanks and appreciation for the continued support from the embassy.
Newsessentials Blog 
Posted on April 29, 2024
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