Fostering Excellence: Makassed Educational Sector’s Engagement
By During the current academic year, Makassed schools have actively participated in numerous local and regional seminars and training sessions, elevating the association’s reputation across various domains. These engagements aim to enrich the educational experience of students and assist them in shaping their future endeavors.
Educational Affairs Department
Ms. Souheir Zein, Director of the Research and Educational Development Center, presented a paper called “The Role of Arab Civil Society in Childhood amid Emergencies and Wars” during the Sixth Arab Civil Society Forum for Childhood in Alexandria, Egypt. The forum, themed “Empowering the Arab Child in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” was organized by the Arab Council for Childhood and Development and took place on February 13th and 14th, 2024.
Lycée Makassed Khadija El Kubra
Students had the privilege of meeting author Anne Didier at the school’s library, fostering cultural exchange and intellectual growth.
During the month of October, Science Day celebrations showcased student projects under the theme “Science and Sports.” Students prepared projects under the supervision of science, sports, and languages teachers which they then presented in the presence of their parents and visitors.
Omar Bin El Khattab School
The implementation of the “Tamam” project in Cycle 2 continues, aiming to enhance English language proficiency among students.
“Tamam” is an acronym of the Arabic words “School Based Development”. Its goal is to transform the school into a self-renewing institution that possesses a wealth of leadership capabilities for change to reactivate its role in achieving community development and building an effective leadership generation in its community.
It is an educational project that combines research and development and aims to build a theoretical understanding of the effective and sustainable development process, based on evidence and rooted in our cultural reality.
Mr. Ahmad Ghalayini, Principal of Omar Bin Al Khattab College, attended the twelfth educational forum of the Tamam project in Jordan, sponsored by Her Highness, Princess Sumaya Bint El Hassan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Princess Sumaya University for Technology. The forum, titled “The Tamam Development Project: Strengthening Partnership towards Educational Reform in the Arab Region,” was organized collaboratively by the American University of Beirut and the Tamam Schools Association in Jordan.
During the event held in February 2024, Mr. Ghalayini presented the school’s experience with the project.
Ali Bin Abi Taleb School
Grade 11 students engaged in a session conducted by Forward MENA on in-demand careers and essential digital skills. The introduction of Forastech, an online tech platform, aimed to empower students for the digital job market.
The session aimed to:
- Raise awareness about emerging job trends;
- Highlight essential digital and employability skills;
- Introduce Forastech to empower students post-graduation
Khaled Bin El Walid College
Khaled Bin El Walid College launched its inaugural Open House for the 2024-2025 academic year, themed “Ignite Your Child’s Learning.” New parents and their children explored a variety of services and programs at different stations.
Additionally, the college hosted the fifth-grade mid-year Dance by Cles performance, attended by Ms. Samia Bakkar Sinno, Mr. Khaled Toueini, showcasing talent and fostering inclusivity, discipline and art.
KBWH also introduced the “Holy Qur’an Club” for the 2023-2024 academic year, dedicated to Quran memorization for primary school students, led by volunteer graduates.
Furthermore, four seniors participated in a certification training at Saint Joseph University’s Faculty of Business and Management. The program, titled “Management in Times of Crisis: Communication, Project Management, Digital Transformation,” featured lectures by esteemed specialists such as Ms. Rania Ziadeh El-Ashkar, Dr. Fadi Abou Jamra, and Mr. Rabee Fares, offering insights into various aspects of business and academic sectors:
• Ms. Rania Ziadeh El-Ashkar: Lecturer of “Television: Theory and practice.” Main anchor and segment creator in MTV Alive, and founder and managing director of MTV Academy;
• Dr. Fadi Abou Jamra: Lecturer of “Project Management”. Managing Partner at Ihtiraf Cont & Trad and iCeiling Ltd;
• Mr. Rabee Fares: Lecturer of “Mastering the Professional Environment.” Founder, Leadership & Business Advisor at IBEE – International Business Empowerment & Education.
Abi Bakr Al Siddiq School
The school implemented the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program aimed to enhance students’ academic performance and emotional wellbeing, preparing them for life beyond school.
Ouzai School
Ouzai School established a center for teaching literary writing in Arabic and English was established, catering to students in the second and third cycles, promoting language proficiency and creativity.
Makassed Edu-Cater Pro
The center hosted “Musical Exploration for Little Ears,” a two-day interactive workshop by Dr. Ibrahim Baltagi, aimed at empowering preschool and music teachers to cultivate vibrant musical learning environments. This workshop provided educators with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to foster creativity, enhance cognitive development, and instill a lifelong passion for music in their students.
The Center also facilitated the ‘Friday Leadership Labs’ program, led by trainer Mr. Mohammad Al Amine, with a specific focus on empowering educational leaders. This program encompasses the following modules:
1. Mastering Effective Communication Skills;
2. Team Building and Community Engagement;
3. Effective Conflict Resolution;
4. Stakeholders Management.
SAWA Counseling Unit
The SAWA Counseling Unit concluded its second University Fair at Khaled Bin El Walid College, themed “Dare to Dream, Learn to Achieve,” bringing together 400 students from Makassed secondary schools and 12 prestigious private universities from Lebanon.
Students seized the opportunity to connect with representatives, gather essential information about majors, admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, setting the stage for their academic journey.
Makassed President Dr. Faisal Sinno, Board members, and Makassed figures including Dr. Ghina Al Badawi Hafez, Director of Educational Affairs, Dr. Hassan Ghaziri, President of Makassed University, Dr. Adel Damaj, Director of Makassed Vocational Center attended the event.
Furthermore, the Unit organized a three-day training for Makassed Teachers in collaboration with the Makassed Resource Center to establish trauma-sensitive schools, enhancing both mental health and academic performance.
Dr. Souhad Chbeir from Stanford University’s Early Life Stress and Resilience Program conducted an online session addressing trauma and ongoing stress, while Mrs. Erin Cooney, Director of PureEdge curriculum and instructions, led an engaging online session on strategies to support students exposed to adverse experiences. Additionally, Ms. Rima Hamoud, a trauma-informed yoga teacher, conducted an in-person session featuring yoga and mindfulness activities to promote wellness and alleviate muscle tension.
As part of the ‘Will to Skill’ program, Makassed Grade 11 students from all Makassed Secondary schools embarked on an exciting journey with Irada organization’s monthly soft skills training, with each engaging session focusing on vital skills.
Sports and Activities Unit
A media symposium entitled “The Media and its role in the formation of public opinion and the extent of its influence in elections” was held for Grade 12 students at Makassed schools in Beirut and for students of Jamil Rawwas Secondary School for boys. It explored the role of media in shaping public opinion and its influence on elections.
Guests were media professor Mr. Omar Al Solh (director of Beirut office of Russian Arabic –Language channel. R.Tin Arabic) and Mr. Antoine Saad (presenter of political programs on MTV channel). The symposium was presented and moderated by the general coordinator of history and civics Mr. Jamal Arafat.
Furthermore, student from Makassed schools in Beirut participated in the Achrafieh Race organized by “The Right Path Association showcased their athletic prowess and sportsmanship: Sarah Chaaban from LMK came first in the female category and Faris Adwan from OBK won the first place in his category.
