Beiruting News

Cénacle De La Lumière (CDLL) celebrated the closing of "Together towards a healthier community", on July 25 at Burj On Bay hotel in Kfaryassin. A prevention project implemented by CDLL in the region of Blat-Jbeil (from October 2017 till July 2018), in partnership with AVSI, CESVI, supported by UNICEF, and funded by the governments of United Kingdom, Germany and Netherlands. More than 120 people from the field, governmental institutions, media, as well as beneficiaries attended this ceremony in the presence of Mr. Zahy El Haybi Director of minister's office representing the minister of Social Affiars Mr. Pierre Bou Assi and MP's from the region Mr. Neemat Frem (President of INDEVCO who is a main partner of CDLL), and Mr. Ziad Hawat. 



A first of its kind in Lebanon, this pilot project, based on international models and standards, followed a community-based approach where every member of the community is empowered to fight the drug and alcohol epidemic. 



Ms. Patricia Abi Aad, prevention coordinator at CDLL and head of the project presented how they coordinated closely with community leaders, the municipality, the police force, schools, universities, parishes, and scouts, to make this project a success. 134 agents of prevention from the community were trained and in their turn led various initiatives and distributed creative and impactful tools to more than 8,640 adolescents, youth, parents and adults.  The whole community was engaged in confronting together misconceptions and changing attitudes towards drug and alcohol abuse, and towards the addict in an effort to raise the stigma and support his/her recovery. 



The mayor of Blat, Mr. Andre Al Kossaifi invited all municipalities in the area to adopt such a project, and highlighted the importance of their role in raising awareness on the drug and alcohol epidemic among our youth and protect them from its danger.  



Afterward Mrs. Nada Frem Hjeily stressed on the importance of prevention as an effective and valuable force in protecting youth and families from addiction destruction.  In the light of the latest consideration of legalization of cannabis growing, she urged the government in a heartfelt call for deeper research and self-assessment to make sure that such a critical decision will not go at the expense of our youth, community and society as a whole.  


"Why are we talking about the legalization of cannabis cultivation now?

-If the legalization of cultivation might present some economic benefits, did the government consider and studied the potential risk and damage on our youth, communities, and society?


-Is the government capable of containing the cultivation of cannabis for medical use to export markets without it spreading internally while they are incapable of controlling basic traffic violations, and stopping smoking in public spaces?



-Will the legalization of cultivation solve our economic disaster that have been going on for decades عقود  and which has at its roots the corruption, the mismanagement not forgetting the crisis of electricity, water, and garbage that are crippling the country.


-Do we realize that there has been a movement for the past 10 years in Lebanon that is trying to impact our cultural stance and values against drugs and normalize the use of cannabis? 


-Do we know that young people are already questioning the legality and safety of the use of cannabis while we all know the extent of its damage? 


-Lastly - If the main role of legislation the protection of the vulnerable, then isn't the duty of the legislators/law makers to put at the center of the law the (best interest) of the weak and most vulnerable of citizens. 



As for Ms. Sandra Esber, partnership coordinator at AVSI, explained that the program aims at transferring to vulnerable youth life skills and vocational training to develop their abilities, build their knowledge and improve their living conditions....The participants in the project have been empowered and supported in making positive choices and be active in their communities. 



Then came the intervention of UNICEF with Ms. Joelle Badran, adolescent and youth development officer Beirut and Mount Lebanon field office, confirmed their commitment towards protecting the rights of every child, adolescent or young and secure a safe environment to them under their work to limit risky behaviors. 



In his turn his Excellency Mr. Neemat Frem (President of INDEVCO group, main partner of CDLL) stressed on the importance of the partnership of the public sector starting with municipalities, with the NGOs and the international community and highlighted the importance of the field work that allows us to have positive effect and reach fast a good number of people. Mr. Frem added that the idea of having a "better Lebanon", a better community should not stop here but pursue and make the change as this partnership stood up and refused to abide. 



As a member of the Lebanese Parliament, Mr. Neemat invited the community of Kesserouan and Jbeil to follow the example of the municipality of Blat and implement this project in their communities because we know that we as individuals, families, mothers and fathers we can make a change in our daily life. 


An inspirational documentary was featured showing the impact of this project and the field work and a beneficiary was present in person and shared his moving and life changing experience. 



CDLL couldn't but thank its partners and presented to them awards as token of esteem and appreciation. The ceremony was followed by a reception.