Photo courtesy GATE Lebanon, © RET International

Article by Carine Harouny, Operations and Communications Officer for GATE Lebanon, RET’s local implementing partner

AKKAR, LEBANON – On November 15, the National Education Scouts Association, Akkar Commission, organized an honorary ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters at Halba Technical Institute, which included honoring scout leaders and members with Public Service Medals of various ranks in recognition of their efforts, along with musical performances and a presentation of the equipment received by the National Education Scouts Association from RET Germany and GATE Lebanon.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of: 

• The Minister of Education and Higher Education, represented by Ms. Sonia Khoury, The presence of former MP Jamal Ismail
• The Mufti of Akkar represented by Sheikh Walid Ismail
• The Metropolitan of Akkar and its dependencies for the Greek Orthodox community represented by Father Nicolas Shalhoub
• The Head of the Agriculture Department in Akkar Mr. Taha Mustafa
• Several presidents of the unions of municipalities in Akkar
• A delegation from the Central HQ of the Scouts
• Akkar Commissioner Leader Sally Harb
• Representatives from social, educational, municipal, community figures
• And members of Akkar Commission’s Council, troop leaders and various scout divisions.

Photos courtesy GATE Lebanon, © RET International

As part of RET Germany and GATE Lebanon’s project “Improving Food Security, Livelihoods, Inclusion of Women and Vulnerable Groups and Promoting Gender Equality in North Lebanon,” funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the Federal Republic of Germany through RET Germany and in cooperation with GATE Lebanon, the ceremony also featured an appreciation award presented to GATE Lebanon. 

The award was received by the Director of RET Germany in Lebanon, Mr. Ayman Abdallah, who delivered a speech highlighting the BMZ funded program being implemented in Akkar which supports farmers and empowers women within their communities. He mentioned that the partnership with the Scouts is based on the values of citizenship, community service and national belonging that the Scouts uphold. He further highlighted that the Scouts represent the future through their broad community engagement and their dedication to serving the country.

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