On September 2, at the Bethania Center in Harissa, the Be Baladi Association, in partnership with the Polish Phoenicia Foundation of St. Charbel and in collaboration with Antonine University (UA) and the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), launched the “View Lebanon” project. This initiative is funded by the Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland (Polish Aid).

The event was attended by key figures, including Mr. Adam Rosłoniec, Vice President of the Polish Phoenicia Foundation of St. Charbel, and Ms. Aleksandra Smejda Rosłoniec, Project Director. Representing UA were Fr. Ziad Maatouk, Secretary General and Vice Rector for Administration, and Fr. Jean Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development. The LRC was represented by Mr. Ismail Chahine, Director of First Aid Training, and Ms. Farah Soubra, Sales Manager for First Aid and Public Safety. Notable attendees also included the Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Mr. Imad Farhat, Head of the Destination Management Organization in Byblos.

The event brought together clergy, municipal leaders, representatives from various associations, tourism management organizations, travel agencies, missionary movements, scout associations, Caritas youth, and young people from diverse Lebanese regions, including Jebbeh, Zgharta, Tripoli, Batroun, Byblos, Jounieh, Sarba, Antelias, Beirut, Zahle, Baalbek, Deir El Ahmar, Sidon, and Tyre.

The program featured a presentation on the mission and role of Be Baladi in Lebanese society, along with an overview of its projects. The launch included a song and a promotional video for the “Ya Ayni Al Baladi” project.

Mr. Rosłoniec delivered a speech highlighting the foundation’s role in supporting sustainable development projects in Lebanon. He emphasized the strong relationship with Be Baladi" and praised the new “View Lebanon” project as a significant initiative for development, economy, and tourism in Lebanon.

A comprehensive presentation of the “View Lebanon” project outlined its goals: to introduce tourists to Lebanese towns in an innovative way, while creating new job opportunities by training 100 individuals from various regions to become professional local guides. The project aims to promote domestic tourism, build a communication and marketing network through an electronic platform, and support the sustainability of the tourism sector by empowering individuals with the necessary tools.

In his speech, Dr. Georges Jalkh emphasized UA’s pivotal role in hosting the project and training individuals to develop their innovative mindset, skills, and tools. He highlighted how this training will empower participants to initiate community development projects in their respective regions.

A performance by artist Rafka Fares entertained the audience with songs celebrating Lebanon, adding an artistic touch to the gathering.

The program concluded with the screening of a promotional video for the “View Lebanon” project, fostering hope that this initiative will bring prosperity and development to Lebanon.

For those interested in participating in the training for the “View Lebanon” project, please apply via the provided form.