Trip to Australia
Father Louis Samaha (President of Caritas Lebanon) and Attorney Fady Ibrahim (Secretary General) traveled to Sydney (Australia) from the 2nd to the 16th of September 2009 in order to meet with the Lebanese Diaspora in view of a more efficient collaboration. During their stay, they met with influential Australian and of Lebanese origin personalities and presented to them Caritas Lebanon’s programs and Strategic Plan. Caritas Lebanon is aiming at a productive collaboration with Australia, since the contacts that have been established were very positive.
Caritas Lebanon would like to thank Their Excellencies Bishops Aad Abi Karam, Issam Darwish and Paul Saliba as well the Lebanese Maronite Order of Monks, the priests and the nuns for their interest showed towards its activities. The association would also like to express its deepest gratitude to Rvd Father Antoine Tarabay, Superior of St Charbel Monastery and College for his kind support, his warm hospitality and all efforts made in view of a pleasant and productive stay.
Last, Caritas Lebanon would like to thank all the persons who contributed to the success of this journey, principally Their Excellencies Lebanese Ambassador and Consul General of Lebanon to Australia, Dr Jean Daniel and Mr. Robert Naoum, Members of the Australian Parliament House and Senate in Canberra, Mr. Jack de Groot, President of Caritas Australia, as well as Caritas Lebanon Committee in Australia (See Echoes n° 30).
Seminars for the Humanitarian Centers, the MSC and MC and the Evening Studies Program
The educational teams of the Center for Children with Specific Needs (Fghal) and Patriarch Sfeir Center for Children with Difficulties (Zahleh) as well as the medical staff of the Charity Home for the Elderly (Andkit) attended some training sessions during July and September 2009. On the other hand, the achievements of the Evening Studies Program, the Medico-Social Centers and the Mobile Clinics were evaluated during other meetings held in summer.
Emergency Simulation Sessions
Aware that Lebanon and its surrounding countries are constantly threatened by military conflicts, Caritas Lebanon has set up an emergency Plan that would guide her in case of a natural disaster or war.
Several actors of the association were trained to due procedures during Emergency simulation sessions, led by CRS between June and September 2009.
Workshops for the Youth
During summer 2009, three workshops gathered young volunteers of Metn II, Metn V and Tripoli Sectors who repaired and painted the homes of disfavored people, amongst other activities.
Seminars at the Youth Center for Dialogue and Reconciliation
Four seminars regrouping all Sectors and Centers of Caritas Lebanon were held at the Youth Center for Dialogue and Reconciliation in Rayfoun, between June 13th and July 11th, 2009. During these meetings, participants attended a presentation of the history of the organization chart of the association, a reminder on the values it spreads through its activities and the duty to respect the human rights of vulnerable persons (children, elderly, migrants and refugees) as well as on the management of fundraising. (See Asda’a n° 99 to 103 and Echoes n°25 and 27)
On Saturday 25 July, members of the Council and Chiefs of Regions took part in another seminar to find ways of sharing in the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
Summer 2009: Summer camps and outdoor centers
Games, sun, beach or mountain… Children will spend pleasant holidays thanks to the recreational and cultural activities scheduled for them by all Sectors and Evening studies Program through summer camps and outdoor centers.
Patriarche Sfeir’s visit
Friday 19 June 2009 was a very special day at the Center for Children with Specific Needs in Fghal-Jbeil.
His Beatitude Maronite Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir visited the humanitarian center where he celebrated a consecration mass. At the end of his visit, which is of great importance and honor for Caritas Lebanon, Cardinal Sfeir expressed his immense satisfaction and his pride for the work accomplished so far as well as for the constant and relentless efforts made by the team in charge of the handicapped children. (See Asda’a n° 100 and Echoes n° 25)
Magida El Roumi’s recital
Special activities such as excursions and visits are regularly set up in order to rejoice the elderly and divert them from their monotonous daily life; among those activities was the extended visit of the Lebanese singer Magida el Roumi to the Charity Home for the Elderly in Andkit on Saturday 11 July 2009. Everyone was delighted by her warm smile and comforting words.
Moreover, as a fundraising activity for the old people’s home, she performed on that same day, in a recital of hymns at Mar Doumit School (Qobeyate) that belongs to the Carmelites Fathers.
The new layout of Asda’a
For its 100th edition, the layout of Caritas Lebanon’s newsletter in Arabic has been modified and is now more colorful and pleasant to read! Have you seen it yet?
Visits
On Monday 20 July 2009, Mr. Paolo Beccegato and Mr. Silvio Tessari, respectively director of international relations and director of projects at Caritas Italiana visited the projects carried out with the Migrants Center and some of the collective projects in the development field. During a tour in the Bekaa on Wednesday 22 July, they visited the sewing workshop in Qab Elias, the Love and Giving Center for the Palestinian elderly in Taalabaya and the Patriarch Sfeir Center for Children with Difficulties in Zahleh.
On the other hand, Mrs. Huguette Salameh, coordinator of the Caritas Committee in Australia, met with Father Louis Samaha, President of Caritas Lebanon, on the 21st of July, to discuss about the projects led in collaboration with the Lebanese Diaspora of Australia and also, to prepare the trip of Father Samaha and Attorney Ibrahim to Australia next September. Mrs. Salameh also participated to the seminar held in Rayfoun on July 11, 2009.
Activities of humanitarian centers
Center for Children with Specific Needs
Center for Children with Specific Needs
On the 30th of April 2009, heads of public and private schools of Batroun and Jbeil wre invited by the Center for Childen with Specific Needs to an Open Doors in order to introduce to them its Mentally and School Retarded children's department.
On the cultural extent, children visited on the day before Caritas Lebnaon's sopa workshop, located in Koura, and found out about a traditional Lebanese trade.
Patriarch Sfeir Center for Children with Difficulties
To change from usual classes and make learning more fun, the PSC proceeded to a speech therapy session through visual perception and memory development as well as French grammar lessons in its playground. Of course, students were delighted with the new way of studying!
Lent campaign
Caritas Lebanon’s annual campaign scheduled during the period of Lent is dedicated to fundraising in order to insure sufficient income to relief the increasing number of needy people. Therefore, collects on the streets, in schools and universities, diners and lunches are organized by Sectors to awake Lebanese people to national solidarity.
Caritas Lebanon’s annual campaign scheduled during the period of Lent is dedicated to fundraising in order to insure sufficient income to relief the increasing number of needy people. Therefore, collects on the streets, in schools and universities, diners and lunches are organized by Sectors to awake Lebanese people to national solidarity.
Mother's Day
After celebrating Teacher’s Day (March 9th), Caritas Lebanon Sectors and centers paid tribute to mothers by setting up various activities for Mother’s Day, fêted on March 21st, first day of spring.
Professional training in Fghal
On Friday 23rd of January 2009, Caritas Lebanon launched the Private School for Professional Training, recently added to Fghal’s Center for Children with Specific Needs, in presence of several bishops, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Antoine Choueiry, who contributed to the construction of the center. In this new building, teenagers unable to attend regular classes will be provided with professional training sessions (computer, pastry, handicrafts, ceramics, make-up and skin care) to give them the possibility of earning their living once they become adults.
At the Ministry of Defense
On the 13th of January 2009, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, Mrs. Najla Chahda (CLMC) and Attorney Elie Cordahi (Member of the Council) visited Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Kahwaji at the Ministry of Defense. They presented him with assistance offered by CRS to the families of injured or wounded soldiers during combats at Nahr el Bared Palestinian refugee camp, in 2007.
On Friday 23rd of January 2009, Caritas Lebanon launched the Private School for Professional Training, recently added to Fghal’s Center for Children with Specific Needs, in presence of several bishops, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Antoine Choueiry, who contributed to the construction of the center. In this new building, teenagers unable to attend regular classes will be provided with professional training sessions (computer, pastry, handicrafts, ceramics, make-up and skin care) to give them the possibility of earning their living once they become adults.
At the Ministry of Defense
On the 13th of January 2009, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, Mrs. Najla Chahda (CLMC) and Attorney Elie Cordahi (Member of the Council) visited Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Kahwaji at the Ministry of Defense. They presented him with assistance offered by CRS to the families of injured or wounded soldiers during combats at Nahr el Bared Palestinian refugee camp, in 2007.
Workshop for social workers
From the 8th to the 10th of January 2009, all Caritas Lebanon social workers participated to the « Psychosocial approach to the vulnerable person and child » workshop at the Bethania center located in Harissa. This event was organized by Italian NGO AVSI and animated by Ms. Anne Devreux and Ms. Christina Terribili (Italy).Sectors celebrate Christmas
Various activities have been set up by Caritas Lebanon’s Sectors in order to offer needy people, and especially children and elderly, warm and pleasant Christmas holidays.
Visit to Patriarch Sfeir and Mgr Gatti
On Tuesday 23 december 2008, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, accompanied by some members of the Bureau and the Council as well as Me Joseph Farah, president of Caritas MENA, visited the president of the APECL, His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir and the Apostolic Nounce, His Excellency Mgr Luigi Gatti in order to address them with their wishes for Christmas. During their visit, they talked about the association’s different programs and activities.
Trip to Rome and Paris
In order to reinforce the friendly relationship that exists between Caritas Lebanon and its foreign partners, and also discuss about ongoing and future projects, Father Samaha traveled to Italy and France from 7 to 14 december 2008. Establishing a solid and profitable relationship with the Lebanese Diaspora being one of the association’s priorites, he met with members of Caritas Committee in France. (See details Echoes 13 – 15 December 2008)
Launching the Friendship Meal in Kfardlakos
On December 29, 2008, Caritas Lebanon launched the Friendship Meal’s restaurant located in Kfardlakos, in the Zghorta Zawieh Sector (North), in presence of Bishop Georges Bou Jaoudeh and Mrs Leila el Solh, vice-president of Al Waleed Ben Talal Foundation, which sponsors the project. This restaurant as well as the one located in Dekwaneh (Greater Beirut) welcome and feed, every week, people who cannot afford the bare necessities of life.
New premises for Achrafieh Sector
Achrafieh Sector recently moved to its new premises, located in the Antonine Sisters School, Saint Charbel Street. An opening ceremony was held on Wednesday 17 December, in presence of friends of the Sectors.
Humanitarian centers
Fghal and Zahleh
Several students from surrounding schools visited Fghal’s Center for Children with Specific Needs; they spent some time with the children and offered them presents.
In both Fghal and Zahleh’s Patriarch Sfeir Center, permanent training sessions are held to reinforce the skills of the educational teams. Moreover, many recreational activities, attended by parents and friends, were set up to celebrate Saint Barbara’s commemoration and Christmas.
Andkit
On Tuesday 23 december 2008, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, accompanied by some members of the Bureau and the Council as well as Me Joseph Farah, president of Caritas MENA, visited the president of the APECL, His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir and the Apostolic Nounce, His Excellency Mgr Luigi Gatti in order to address them with their wishes for Christmas. During their visit, they talked about the association’s different programs and activities.
Trip to Rome and Paris
In order to reinforce the friendly relationship that exists between Caritas Lebanon and its foreign partners, and also discuss about ongoing and future projects, Father Samaha traveled to Italy and France from 7 to 14 december 2008. Establishing a solid and profitable relationship with the Lebanese Diaspora being one of the association’s priorites, he met with members of Caritas Committee in France. (See details Echoes 13 – 15 December 2008)
Launching the Friendship Meal in Kfardlakos
On December 29, 2008, Caritas Lebanon launched the Friendship Meal’s restaurant located in Kfardlakos, in the Zghorta Zawieh Sector (North), in presence of Bishop Georges Bou Jaoudeh and Mrs Leila el Solh, vice-president of Al Waleed Ben Talal Foundation, which sponsors the project. This restaurant as well as the one located in Dekwaneh (Greater Beirut) welcome and feed, every week, people who cannot afford the bare necessities of life.
New premises for Achrafieh Sector
Achrafieh Sector recently moved to its new premises, located in the Antonine Sisters School, Saint Charbel Street. An opening ceremony was held on Wednesday 17 December, in presence of friends of the Sectors.
Humanitarian centers
Fghal and Zahleh
Several students from surrounding schools visited Fghal’s Center for Children with Specific Needs; they spent some time with the children and offered them presents.
In both Fghal and Zahleh’s Patriarch Sfeir Center, permanent training sessions are held to reinforce the skills of the educational teams. Moreover, many recreational activities, attended by parents and friends, were set up to celebrate Saint Barbara’s commemoration and Christmas.
Andkit
The old people living at the Charity Home for the Elderly, located in Andkit, were delighted to spent cheerful moments with some of the area’s young students who came to visit them just before Christmas. To contribute to their happiness and wish them a merry Christmas, members of Caritas Lebanon Council and Bureau also spent a day with them, in Andkit.
Evening Study Program
School health
As school health is included in the support offered to children benefiting from the Evening Study Program, check-ups were performed by general practitioners and dentists in Bourj Hammoud, Kobeiate and Zahleh public schools.
Christmas
Wishing to bring joy in the heart of disadvantaged children during the holidays, educational teams of the Evening Study Program in Bourj Hammoud, Zahleh, Tripoli and Kobeiate organized several activities and distributed gifts to all children.
Sectors celebrate Christmas
Various activities have been set up by Caritas Lebanon’s Sectors in order to offer needy people, and especially children and elderly, warm and pleasant Christmas holidays.
Sectors’ fundraising
Christmas is always a time to remember and show solidarity with the needy. To contribute relief the country increasing demands, Sectors set up many fundraising activities.
One more seminar
Following the seminars previously held in view of restructuring Caritas Lebanon’s management, workshops aiming at elaborating a training plan for all its forces took place on November 26th and 27th, 2008, in presence of Mr. Denis Vienot and Mr. Michel Fraisse, from the Secours Catholique. They also talked about the appropriate training charitable associations’ volunteers and employees should receive in order to adapt to the country’s new needs, with Mrs Amal Moukarzel, Head of the USJ Permanent Training Department.
Independence Day
Independence Day (November 22th) was celebrated by many children benefiting from Caritas Lebanon’s programs: the Center for Children With Specific Needs, Patriarch Sfeir Center, children registered with the evening Study Program and even the small kids at Dora Nursery.
Christmas is always a time to remember and show solidarity with the needy. To contribute relief the country increasing demands, Sectors set up many fundraising activities.
One more seminar
Following the seminars previously held in view of restructuring Caritas Lebanon’s management, workshops aiming at elaborating a training plan for all its forces took place on November 26th and 27th, 2008, in presence of Mr. Denis Vienot and Mr. Michel Fraisse, from the Secours Catholique. They also talked about the appropriate training charitable associations’ volunteers and employees should receive in order to adapt to the country’s new needs, with Mrs Amal Moukarzel, Head of the USJ Permanent Training Department.
Independence Day
Independence Day (November 22th) was celebrated by many children benefiting from Caritas Lebanon’s programs: the Center for Children With Specific Needs, Patriarch Sfeir Center, children registered with the evening Study Program and even the small kids at Dora Nursery.
General Assembly
Caritas Lebanon General Assembly took place on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 in its head office, in presence of dioceses’ representatives, members of the Bureau and the Council, affiliated members, Chiefs of Regions and Chiefs of Sectors. After a church service celebrated by Bishop Francis Bayssari, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, introduced the association’s latest achievements and future prospects. Secretary General, Attorney Fady Ibrahim, and General Treasurer, Mr. Farid Gebran, each exposed the activity and financial reports for the 2007-2008 year. Later on, members of the Assembly approved both reports and elected the new external auditor, Mr. Emile Chartouni.
Metn II Sector 25th anniversary
Metn II Sector celebrated 25 years of humanitarian work on October 19th 2008. During a religious service that was held in St Rita Church (Sin el Fil – Horsh Tabet), tribute was paid to all those who had spent years loving and caring for unprivileged people.
Danish Ambassador and Senior advisor at the Ministry Affairs of Denmark visit Caritas Lebanon
Danish Ambassador to Lebanon, Jan Top Christensen, and Senior Counsel for Fragile States, Human Rights and Rule of Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Adam Rehof, visited Caritas Lebanon on Friday, November 14th, 2008. They were greeted by Secretary General, Attorney Fady Ibrahim, and former Treasurer General, Mr. Habib Hatem. (See Echoes n° 12)
Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs visits Andkit
Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Mario Aoun visited the Charity Home for the Elderly on October 25th, 2008. After a tour of the premises , he enjoyed conversing with residents.
Activities in Fghal and Zahleh
Technical education is provided to students unable to follow regular classes in order to allow them to earn their living once they become adults.
At the Center for Children with Specific Needs, ceramics, arts and crafts, and pastry workshops were recently launched.
Caritas Lebanon General Assembly took place on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 in its head office, in presence of dioceses’ representatives, members of the Bureau and the Council, affiliated members, Chiefs of Regions and Chiefs of Sectors. After a church service celebrated by Bishop Francis Bayssari, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, introduced the association’s latest achievements and future prospects. Secretary General, Attorney Fady Ibrahim, and General Treasurer, Mr. Farid Gebran, each exposed the activity and financial reports for the 2007-2008 year. Later on, members of the Assembly approved both reports and elected the new external auditor, Mr. Emile Chartouni.
Metn II Sector 25th anniversary
Metn II Sector celebrated 25 years of humanitarian work on October 19th 2008. During a religious service that was held in St Rita Church (Sin el Fil – Horsh Tabet), tribute was paid to all those who had spent years loving and caring for unprivileged people.
Danish Ambassador and Senior advisor at the Ministry Affairs of Denmark visit Caritas Lebanon
Danish Ambassador to Lebanon, Jan Top Christensen, and Senior Counsel for Fragile States, Human Rights and Rule of Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Adam Rehof, visited Caritas Lebanon on Friday, November 14th, 2008. They were greeted by Secretary General, Attorney Fady Ibrahim, and former Treasurer General, Mr. Habib Hatem. (See Echoes n° 12)
Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs visits Andkit
Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs, Dr Mario Aoun visited the Charity Home for the Elderly on October 25th, 2008. After a tour of the premises , he enjoyed conversing with residents.
Activities in Fghal and Zahleh
Technical education is provided to students unable to follow regular classes in order to allow them to earn their living once they become adults.
At the Center for Children with Specific Needs, ceramics, arts and crafts, and pastry workshops were recently launched.
A visit to Mr. Fouad Siniora
On September 24, 2008, Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon, along with members of the Bureau and the Council visited Lebanese Prime Minister, Mr. Fouad Siniora, in order to keep him informed with the year 2007-2008 accomplishments.
Recital at Mar Sarkis and Bakhos Convent
To launch its activities for the year 2008-2009 and within initiatives it has undertaken to promote peace and reconciliation, Youth Caritas organized on Saturday 4th October 2008 at the « Dialog and Reconciliation Center for the Youth » (Reyfoun), a recital during which Father Amid Maaz and Mikhael Awad, Dr. Rania Younes and Mrs. Antoinette Asmar Maaz sung religious hymns and other songs, in a very warm and loving atmosphere.
A trip to Canada
Caritas Lebanon President, Father Louis Samaha, Mr. Farid Gebran (General Treasurer) and Mrs. Rita Yared (Centrale) traveled to Canada from August 26 to September 5 2008, the to meet with Lebanese emigrants established in Montreal and Ottawa, in order to create ties between their fellow countrymen in Lebanon.
Religious ceremonies gathering numbers of Lebanese-Canadians citizens were held in both cities, and a Caritas Lebanon programs and activities were presented to bishops and priests, businessmen and other figures of the Lebanese Diaspora. The creation of a Caritas committee in Canada is being constituted. Furthermore, interviews with different Canadian medias took place in order to promote Caritas Lebanon image and expose its various activities.
Caritas Lebanon and Caritas Canada examined cooperation possibilities, mainly regarding development projects.
Caritas Lebanon President, Father Louis Samaha, Mr. Farid Gebran (General Treasurer) and Mrs. Rita Yared (Centrale) traveled to Canada from August 26 to September 5 2008, the to meet with Lebanese emigrants established in Montreal and Ottawa, in order to create ties between their fellow countrymen in Lebanon.
Religious ceremonies gathering numbers of Lebanese-Canadians citizens were held in both cities, and a Caritas Lebanon programs and activities were presented to bishops and priests, businessmen and other figures of the Lebanese Diaspora. The creation of a Caritas committee in Canada is being constituted. Furthermore, interviews with different Canadian medias took place in order to promote Caritas Lebanon image and expose its various activities.
Caritas Lebanon and Caritas Canada examined cooperation possibilities, mainly regarding development projects.
Besides, along with 700 NGO representatives from about 50 countries, Mrs Rita Yared took part in the Rehabilitation International (RI) 21st world congress, "Disability Rights and Social Participation: Ensuring a Society for All".
35th anniversary
On September 14, 2008, Caritas Lebanon celebrated the 35th anniversary of its foundation in South Lebanon. A church service was held in Our Lady of Machmoucheh convent (Jezzine), in presence of numerous religious leaders, members of Caritas Lebanon Bureau and Council, present and former Chiefs of Sectors and other guests.
After the ceremony, Marjeyoun-Hasbaya Sector youth presented a show and folkloric dances, while children and youngsters of Saida Sector composed songs about Caritas activities.
Youth activities
Renovation work
As part of the activities organized by Caritas Youth, young volunteers of the Bekaa and Bint Jbeil Sector did some renovation work on the homes of needy people thus offering them the opportunity to live in a more agreeable surrounding.
Awakness to volunteering
Sector Bint Jbeil youngsters met in the village of Yaroun to discuss about the impact of volunteering on their social and spiritual life. On the other hand, an excursion was scheduled for Kesrwan II Sector young people on the 31st of August 2008. They first attended a church ceremony celebrated by the Maronite Patriarch in Diman then went for a pilgrimage in the Qannoubine Valley.
20 young volunteers from the Metn I Sector lead a summer camp of approximately 40 children in Saint-Joseph convent in Dbayeh. This workshop was an occasion to get acquainted to each other and renew their commitment.
Launching of a youth center in Reyfoun
The « Dialog and Reconciliation Center for the Youth » was launched on July 31, 2008. This center is located at the Mar Sarkis and Bakhos convent (Reyfoun - Kesrwan), in premises offered to Caritas Lebanon by the Maronite Patriarchate, in order to encourage youth meetings and activities. This convent is famous for it has witnessed, since 1655, main phases of the history of the Maronites.
Summer activities for children
Every summer, Caritas Lebanon Sectors organize, in cooperation with volunteers from Caritas Youth Movement, summer camps for disfavored children to give them the opportunity to spend a pleasant summer. Several recreational, cultural and spiritual activities are scheduled to offer them the best time possible.
Secours Catholique and Caritas Austria for a short visit to Lebanon
Secretary General of Secours Catholique, Mr. Pierre Levené along with his delegate, Mr. Bernard Thibaud, visited Caritas Lebanon on the 14th of July 2008. During the meeting, cooperation between Caritas Sisters and possible new projects, such as setting up ways of protecting the environment, were discussed.
Caritas Austria’s representative, Mr. Joseph Worm, visited the centers for the Elderly included in the program of support for the Palestinian Elderly in the Beirut, Tyre and the Bekaa refugees’ camps, which is financed by ECHO (EU) and executed in cooperation with Caritas Austria.
Two new seminars
As part of Caritas Lebanon’s restructuring plan, two new seminars were held for Medico-Social Centers and mobile clinics (see Health programs), and Humanitarian Centers, during the first week of July 2008.
On July 3 and 4, specialized teams from Center for Children with Specific Needs (Fghal) and Patriarch Sfeir Center (Zahleh) met with Mr. Denis Viénot (Secours Catholique), Mr. Joseph Rahmeh and Mr. Toufic Ariss (members of the Council) at the Padova Hotel (Jisr el Bacha). Three subjects were discussed during this meeting: Miss Hala Raad presented a topic called « From learning programs to educational planning in class », Mrs. Arwa Halawi (Lebanese Autism Society) talked about her personal experience and finally, Dr. Naji Souaiby introduced different approaches to Quality.
Secretary General of Secours Catholique, Mr. Pierre Levené along with his delegate, Mr. Bernard Thibaud, visited Caritas Lebanon on the 14th of July 2008. During the meeting, cooperation between Caritas Sisters and possible new projects, such as setting up ways of protecting the environment, were discussed.
Caritas Austria’s representative, Mr. Joseph Worm, visited the centers for the Elderly included in the program of support for the Palestinian Elderly in the Beirut, Tyre and the Bekaa refugees’ camps, which is financed by ECHO (EU) and executed in cooperation with Caritas Austria.
Two new seminars
As part of Caritas Lebanon’s restructuring plan, two new seminars were held for Medico-Social Centers and mobile clinics (see Health programs), and Humanitarian Centers, during the first week of July 2008.
On July 3 and 4, specialized teams from Center for Children with Specific Needs (Fghal) and Patriarch Sfeir Center (Zahleh) met with Mr. Denis Viénot (Secours Catholique), Mr. Joseph Rahmeh and Mr. Toufic Ariss (members of the Council) at the Padova Hotel (Jisr el Bacha). Three subjects were discussed during this meeting: Miss Hala Raad presented a topic called « From learning programs to educational planning in class », Mrs. Arwa Halawi (Lebanese Autism Society) talked about her personal experience and finally, Dr. Naji Souaiby introduced different approaches to Quality.
A professional training center for visually impaired persons
In respect of any human being’s right to live in dignity, Caritas Lebanon, Waleed Ben Talal Fondation and the Haramoun Association launched a new professional training center for visually impaired persons.
Activities for the Elderly
On July 9, 47 old people from the Baadba II Sector went a beautiful excursion: a church service at the Church of Le Christ Roi to start the day and then a visit of City Mall located in Dora. The Roadster’s restaurant invited them for lunch and the Sea Sweet pastry shop offered them delicious sweets!In Bint Jbeil Sector, youngsters attached to the Rmeich parish prepared lunch to aver 50 people, at the Jad wal Jaddé Club.
Visit to Mr. Nabih Berry
On the 23rd of June 2008, Father Louis Samaha along with members of Caritas Lebanon Bureau and Council, visited Mr. Nabih Berry the actual president of the Lebanese National Assembly, to inform him about activities that occurred during the past year and problems resulting from the Lebanese economical crisis.
Sectors’ annual tour
In June, Father Samaha began the annual tour of all Sectors, accompanied by Caritas Lebanon Council members, in order to evaluate the way they are working, and their needs, and outline their future plan of action. These visits are always an opportunity to improve work procedures.
General Assembly's Budget Meeting
Caritas Lebanon General Assembly, scheduled for the study of the budget project for the year 2008-2009, took place on Saturday, June 28th, at its head office in presence of its members and the Hierarchy delegate, His Excellency Mgr Francis Bayssari.
After the religious celebration, the budget project for the coming year (July 1st, 2008 – June 30th, 2009) was presented to participants for study and voting. It was approved by the General Assembly Members.
Caritas Lebanon 9th nationwide day
On Saturday June 14th 2008, members of Caritas Lebanon Bureau and Council, employees, volunteers, Caritas Youth members, affiliated and former members, actual and previous Sectors and Regions delegates, as well as friends gathered in Bkerke, at the Maronite Patriarchate, for Caritas Lebanon 9th nationwide day.
Caritas Lebanon 9th nationwide day
On Saturday June 14th 2008, members of Caritas Lebanon Bureau and Council, employees, volunteers, Caritas Youth members, affiliated and former members, actual and previous Sectors and Regions delegates, as well as friends gathered in Bkerke, at the Maronite Patriarchate, for Caritas Lebanon 9th nationwide day.
Mass was celebrated by Maronite Patriarch, His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, their Excellencies Bishops Francis Bayssari and Roland Abou Jaoudé, along with Father Louis Samaha, president of Caritas Lebanon and Father Amid Maaz, general chaplain.
Following the religious service, a special ceremony was held in honor of all the people who spent at least 15 years of their life serving the mission of Caritas Lebanon.
Following the religious service, a special ceremony was held in honor of all the people who spent at least 15 years of their life serving the mission of Caritas Lebanon.
Two new seminars
As part of the restructuring of its management, and following the January 2008 seminar organized for Caritas Lebanon’s executives, two other seminars were held in the course of May 2008 and were presented by Mr. Denis Vienot, Mr. Aloysius John and Mr. Michel Fraisse, from the Secours Catholique:
May, 21-23 : for Caritas Lebanon social workers, at the Bethania Conference Centre (Harissa)
May, 24 : for the Council members, at Caritas Lebanon head office (Sin el Fil).
Regional conference of Caritas MENA
The annual regional MENA conference was held in Damascus (Syria), from the 15th to the 17th of April 2008, and gathered thirteen Caritas members as well as representatives from Caritas Internationalis, Europe, Belgium, Spain, CRS, Secours Catholique, CORDAID and ICMC. In turn, participants presented their association and exposed encountered problems and accepted challenges. Daily workshops were also scheduled to discuss about poverty and social justice, which was the leading subject of the meeting.
As part of the restructuring of its management, and following the January 2008 seminar organized for Caritas Lebanon’s executives, two other seminars were held in the course of May 2008 and were presented by Mr. Denis Vienot, Mr. Aloysius John and Mr. Michel Fraisse, from the Secours Catholique:
May, 21-23 : for Caritas Lebanon social workers, at the Bethania Conference Centre (Harissa)
May, 24 : for the Council members, at Caritas Lebanon head office (Sin el Fil).
Regional conference of Caritas MENA
The annual regional MENA conference was held in Damascus (Syria), from the 15th to the 17th of April 2008, and gathered thirteen Caritas members as well as representatives from Caritas Internationalis, Europe, Belgium, Spain, CRS, Secours Catholique, CORDAID and ICMC. In turn, participants presented their association and exposed encountered problems and accepted challenges. Daily workshops were also scheduled to discuss about poverty and social justice, which was the leading subject of the meeting.
MENA Youth movments’ meeting
From the 9th to the 14th of April 2008, representatives of Youth movements from Caritas Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon and AKIJA (Committee for International Youth Work - Germany) met at the Focolare Movement’s Mariapoli (training center) in Kounaitra (Metn).
During the seminar, untitled “Peace, Justice and Reconciliation”, they exchanged their experiences and worked on setting up training camps for volunteer activity leaders, coordinating and financing different activities, and studying the possibility of granting the movement an official status. Ties between participants were reinforced through going out and visiting places together. They also attended a religious service in presence of the Youth chaplain, Father Charbel Geagea. A committee is in charge of following-up decisions.
Drug prevention
A two-day seminar on « Drug prevention efforts in Lebanese schools » was held on the 10th and 11th of April 2008, at the Holiday Inn – Dunes in Beirut. Organized by Oum el Nour and Mentor Arabia, two large drug-prevention associations, the colloquium was held in cooperation with Caritas Lebanon and Caritas Luxembourg, and under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs. This seminar hopes to raise awareness among school principals and educators regarding preventing teenagers from falling into drug abuse.
The Cooperative of Charity
The Cooperative of Charity in charge of commercializing Intajouna products held its General Assembly on March 28, 2008. After presenting the annual report, participants debated on the economic crisis in Lebanon and on the necessity of opening up to foreign markets in order to create more opportunities to Lebanese farmers.
The Cooperative of Charity in charge of commercializing Intajouna products held its General Assembly on March 28, 2008. After presenting the annual report, participants debated on the economic crisis in Lebanon and on the necessity of opening up to foreign markets in order to create more opportunities to Lebanese farmers.
A High Consulting Committee
In view of reviving its upcoming humanitarian and socio-economic development projects, Caritas Lebanon has put together a new consulting committee from various financial and industrial local experts. The first meeting was held on March 13, 2008 at Caritas headquarters during which participants discussed its basic responsibilities. The next meeting is to take place in May.
At the Patriarch Sfeir Center - Zahleh
Caritas Lebanon has successfully created an all-equipped pastry shop at the Patriarch Sfeir Center in Zahleh in view of providing local students with the knowhow to pastry making and securing their professional future.
70 local children will receive both technical training as well as healthy diet classes along the presentation of Unilever products.
A Seniors club and a Café Net for the young in Tyre
On March 4, 2008, Caritas Lebanon launched two new outlets in Tyre in partnership with Al Walid ben Talal Foundation who provided the necessary equipment: a seniors club called “Al Jad wal Jadde”, and a computer and library-equipped club for the young called Café Net. Despite its name, the latter is not restricted to the young and is also a meeting place for residents of the surrounding area who wish to gather.
A five day seminar for Caritas Lebanon’s executives
Caritas Lebanon Head office’s Executives and members of the Council attended a seminar on Managing Caritas Lebanon, lead by Mr. Denis Vienot, former president of Caritas Internationalis and currently in charge of International affairs and Legal department at the Secours Catholique (Caritas France), and Mr. Aloysius John, head of the Asia-MENA at the Secours Catholique.
From the 14th to the 18th of January 2008, participants gathered at Bethania (Beit Anya) conference centre in Harissa to study the association’s strength, weaknesses, threats encountered and solutions to reduce problems. They also examined different possibilities of managing Caritas Lebanon in order to be able to execute the priorities that it has set.
Caritas Lebanon Head office’s Executives and members of the Council attended a seminar on Managing Caritas Lebanon, lead by Mr. Denis Vienot, former president of Caritas Internationalis and currently in charge of International affairs and Legal department at the Secours Catholique (Caritas France), and Mr. Aloysius John, head of the Asia-MENA at the Secours Catholique.
From the 14th to the 18th of January 2008, participants gathered at Bethania (Beit Anya) conference centre in Harissa to study the association’s strength, weaknesses, threats encountered and solutions to reduce problems. They also examined different possibilities of managing Caritas Lebanon in order to be able to execute the priorities that it has set.
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