The President of the Higher Metn Artisan's speech in the Event

We are still within the realm of the works of the world-renowned playwright, William Shakespeare, and this year, scenes from the play "The Merchant of Venice" have been selected for the competition. It is essential to emphasize that the chosen scenes are solely based on literary and social theatrical considerations. We wish all the participants the best of luck today. We also extend our gratitude to the administration of Mar Youssef De Lyon Convent School and all the members of the administrative and working staff in this prestigious institution, with a special mention to their president, Sister Kristine Salameh.

As for the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation, since the beginning of the current year, it has embarked on a new phase of activities, presenting a variety of events up to the present time. It started with a seminar on "Learning in Georgian Universities" in collaboration with the Educational Advisory Board in Georgia. This was followed by a paper-folding art workshop conducted by the artist Rami Naba. Additionally, there was a beginner's computer course presented by colleague Warda Zaydan, which was succeeded by an intensive sewing course. Here, we extend our gratitude to Mr. Mazen Halawani, the President of Humanity in Life Association, for placing his trust in us and requesting the sewing course to be offered in the town of Mresty El Chouf. The social activities with the Psychological Therapist Dr. Abeer Al-Awar, continued after several workshops held last year, including an important workshop titled "Life Challenges and Their Impact on Families".

The craft of carpentry held significant importance and received considerable attention. It was presented throughout the month of May, spanning 52 hours of theoretical and practical training. Here, a word of gratitude is due to our colleagues at the Higher Metn Artisan: Mr. Samer Bou Hamra from Abadeyeh and Ras Al-Metn, and Mr. Joseph Hashem from Hasbaya Al-Metn, the owner of Carpenters by Joseph Hachem & Co in Qarnayel. The training concluded with an exhibition on June 16, showcasing the wooden and carpentry works produced by the trainees. The exhibition was hosted by the Municipality of Ras Al-Metn, with the support of its President, Mr. Raja Abu Raslan, and the help of the Secretary, Ms. Samar Nowaihed. Our sincere appreciation also goes to all the members of the municipal council.

In the month of May, a training workshop was conducted for 30 participants from high schools taking part in today's competition. The workshop was presented and supervised by the esteemed artist and lecturer, Mr. Michel Hurani, along with the artist and Syndicate, Mr. Jihad Al-Atarsh.

A word of gratitude and appreciation goes out to everyone who has contributed to the success of our activities and events from their inception until this moment. This includes the President and members of the Municipal Council in Ras Al-Metn, led by Mr. Raja Abu Raslan, as well as the administrators of the Esam Makarem Stadium and the management of Hilal Al-Nasr Club in Ras Al-Metn, with special mention to Captain Wehbi Ghurz Al-Din and Mr. Sultan Khayr. We also extend our thanks to Mr. Ramy Naba, our colleague Mrs. Warda Zaidan, Dr. Abeer Al-Awar, and Mr. Mazen Halawani, President of the Humanity in Life Association in Mresti, Al Chouf. We extend our utmost appreciation to the esteemed members of the judging panel: the artist and syndicate, Mr. George Chalhoub, the venerable Mrs. Elsy Fernini, and the star Mr. Yorgo Chalhoub. Our gratitude also goes to the lecturer and talented Mr. Michel Hurani, the renowned artist Mr. Nicolas Daniel, and the syndicate and cultural reference, the artist Mr. Jihad Al-Atarsh._, and the participating high schools in today's competition, as well as the members of the administrative committee of the Higher Metn Artisan including Mrs. Antoinette Chahine, Mrs. Souad El-Masri Abu Chahine, Secretary General Prince Fadi Areslan, Miss Maisa Al-Banna, Mr. Samer Bou Hamra, and all the members of the general committee.

In the end, we extend our heartfelt gratitude from the family ofthe Higher Metn Artisan to Mrs. Wafaa Nowaihed, who supported and sponsored this year's literary theater competition among the high schools of the Higher Metn. Her encouragement and belief in our mission for the sake of our children are greatly appreciated.

Wishing all the participants the best of luck today, and we hope that the support and engagement continue throughout our event until the very end.

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