Antonine University (UA) is delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Green Community organization, which reflects a joint commitment to achieving shared objectives. The signing ceremony was attended by UA’s Rector, Fr. Michel Jalakh, and the Green Community Founder, Ms. Rima Frangieh. The importance of this MOU lies primarily in its aim of highlighting and intensifying the reciprocal relationship between education and environment, as well as establishing an innovative project in Wadi El Karakir, a space that can serve as a research center and allows UA students to explore the incredible richness of nature. A collaborative effort will be made in the field of sustainable development goals awareness and will be directed toward engaging students in short projects and internship programs, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices and home-based products. Students will learn how to protect, respect, and secure the environment for future generations and will be taught how to harness science and technology to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

During this event, Ms. Franjieh, who always seeks to empower youth and help them develop their skills, indicated that her belief in their abilities and energy always drives her to partner with them in order to create a sustainable society. She also exhibited a sense of pride for building this cooperation enabling to turn Wadi El Karakir into a bridge between education and environment. She concluded that it is necessary today to positively involve people from all corners of society, create job opportunities to help young people thrive and broaden their horizons.

The Rector, taking the floor, praised the efforts made by the Green Community to help old and young generations better understand nature and be grounded in their roots, noting that this has always been the main goal behind setting up the Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus. He also expressed his optimism about the common vision of both parties, as they believe in the importance of the environment, the lungs of the planet, which keep people alive, and fully realize the value of investing in education and guidance that are means of salvation and success for young men and women.