The “Made in Lebanon” victory

Sunday September the second was the day of victory in Lebanon, since the Lebanese military dominated the Nahr el bared Palestinian Refugee Camp after 100 and 6 days from battling in Tripoli north Lebanon and after the death of 202 Lebanese military.

The troops were showered with rice and raised petals as smiling soldiers waved back in an hours-long parade. Some of the military vehicles carried pictures of soldiers who had died in the fighting. Fireworks crackled on the streets and patriotic songs blared over loudspeakers as people danced to the beat of the drums.

This “Made in Lebanon” victory made the Lebanese people proud of their country and military because they achieved their goal without outside interference or help and they hoped that martyrs’ souls might rest in peace. Mohammad Habash said that this victory confirmed that the Lebanese military is capable of doing any thing to keep Lebanon safe and added that they showed unquestioned loyalty to their country.

Even Palestinians supported the army and appreciated his hard work. They wanted their camp to be rebuilt in due time and added that they were against Fatah al Islam vision and plans and they believe that this group doesn’t have any relation with Islam at all. A.S Palestinian citizen said that he is proud of the Lebanese military and he added that this victory wasn’t just a Lebanese one but it was palatines as mush as a Lebanese victory.

At the end Lebanese and Palestinian citizens hoped peace and justice would be restored in Lebanon, and hoped that this situation will never be repeated on this blessed land.

By Dalia Hariri

It's Our Right to Succeed

“It’s our right to succeed” the summer camp, which is sponsored by MP Bahiya Al Hariri and headed by Nabel Bawab for the children of Saida and the nearby area, was launched on August 1st in Saida.

“It’s our right to succeed” was launched for the first time in 2004 in only 2 centers in Saida and now in 2007 it developed into 8 centers during the summer and 50 schools through the school year. This summer camp combines between activities and subject areas like languages; English, Arabic and Math. This summer camp is the result of the collaboration between the Hariri foundation and the National Organization, as Mrs. Wafica Skafi informed. She also told us that there are 250 volunteers participating in this camp. Dima Hassan, the English coordinator said, "It was important to prepare fun activities to teach the students because it was a summer camp and students must enjoy their time while learning. Learning must be enjoyable so they won't get bored". She also told us that she prepared suitable themes for each age of students and designed activities and handouts for every theme. The material prepared for every week was then handed to Mrs. Skafi to be photocopied and distributed to the centers. Dima Hassan worked with the volunteers on a weekly basis so their teaching would go smoothly.

Head supervisor Nabel Bawab said that this camp started on the first of August and it will continue till August 30th. He also said that the closing ceremony will be on September 4th in MP Bahiya Al Hariri’s villa in Majdillion and this camp will continue in winter as well. This camp contains so many activities such as recycling, art, choral, dancing, and folklore. Nabel Bawab added that this year witnessed the birth of new activities like the art of photography project that will be concluded with a photo exhibit titled “Sweet Eye” in Ayn Al Hilwi camp on September 1st, and “My family, My introduced them to their city Saida and took them to see its historical places. They also participated in community service activities by cleaning Saida beach. They also visited other villages in Lebanon to get connected to their country and to meet other kids there from other religions. The purpose of this project was to introduce the children to the other and teach them to respect and accept their differences, as Noha Bizri the project coordinator told us.

Smira Nawal Garib, the dance coordinator said that dancing is a special private activity and they had to train students for 4 dances in just 15 days to be performed in the closing ceremony on September the 4th with the help of the work team members Mona El Katib, Nriman Abu Daher, Maha Antar, Saed El Zingy, and so many others.

Mohammad Shaarawi, the music coordinator said that selecting 75 students from 200 was very hard and added that these 75 distributed in the 8 centers will perform a private song to the camp in the closing ceremony.

One of the monitors Jana Jardali, who was responsible for young kids aged 4 to 6 years old, said that these activities help children forget about the war and what they have been through and let them have a new start.

Samira Masri Kublwi, the recycling project coordinator, talked about the process of using carton, cups and many other materials and reusing them. They had made CD boxes, pen cases and copybooks.

The closing ceremony will be presented in Hariri's villa in majdillion to appreciate the hard work of these kids and the volunteers.

By Dalia Hariri