Beirut, Friday 15 April, 2016 – Under the Patronage of Lebanese Minister of Education and Higher Education Elias Bou Saab, Junior Chamber International Beirut (JCI Beirut), in cooperation with the UN Information Centre in Beirut (UNIC-Beirut), launched on Thursday afternoon a three-day Fair entitled “After School: What’s Up?” for high school students in Lebanon at UNESCO Palace, Beirut. Participating in the Fair, which would last until Saturday 16 April, were various universities in Lebanon and NGOs, as well as UN agencies, private sector firms and banks. The event also featured training sessions for students.
In her statement during the opening ceremony, Head of the Guidance and Orientation Department at the Ministry of Education, Hilda Khoury, who represented Minister Elias Bou Saab, commended the organizers for this creative event and for all efforts they have put into guiding students and assisting them in determining their educational choices in the future. “On behalf of the minister, I tell you that Lebanon relies on its youths and their willpower. The people of Lebanon are not intimidated by anybody,” Khoury said. She concluded by addressing students, urging them to benefit from the evolution of technology in favor of shaping their future. “You are Lebanon’s dream,” she added.
“After School: What’s Up?” Project Director from JCI Beirut, Elie Antoun, said the purpose of this event is to empower youth by providing them with proper tools and orientation to continue their education and bridge the gap between school and university.
JCI Lebanon President, Roni Matar, for his part, said this event falls within the framework of Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the UN in September 2015, and which is dedicated to ensuring quality education. Matar called on students to take advantage of this opportunity and participate in the Fair’s side-activities.
JCI Beirut President Elie Hanna gave an overview about the organization’s activities that aim at strengthening the youth’s skills and motivating them to get involved in voluntary work.
Access to the Fair is free of charge to encourage underprivileged public and private high school students plan their education and facilitate their career choice to ensure a successful future.
You can check the event’s website for more info: www.afterschoolevent.me.