Principal of The Higher Metn Artisan Speech

Therefore, it is essential, from our sense of responsibility towards our country and our community, that the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation targets all age groups and educational levels, and encourages creativity in various fields. We are ready to collaborate with any counterparts and associations present in the community, with our full appreciation for their efforts and contributions.

The design of the symbolic logo that the organization is known by was carefully considered in terms of shape and color, and it carries the meanings that we are trying to translate into reality with you. Here are the details:

It represents knowledge, culture, and cooperation in various forms among members of the community.

• In Appearance

- The shape of the open book symbolizes that knowledge is the foundation of society and its development.

– In the middle of the book, there are two figures representing males and females, as knowledge is for everyone. It also symbolizes the family, meaning that the aim of the association is people from all segments of society.

– In the center, there are two interlocking hands that symbolize cooperation and collaboration.

– The name of the association is surrounded by a semi-circular shape in the upper part of the logo in the English language.

– At the bottom of the logo, the name of the association is written in Arabic along with the registration number issued by the Ministry of Interior, indicating the legitimacy of the work of The Higher Metn Artisan Foundation.

• In Color

The background of the logo gradually fades into a golden color, symbolizing the light and radiance of the sun, which represents enlightenment and knowledge as a beacon towards the future.

The dark blue color represents the vastness of the sea and the knowledge of its endless depths, as well as conveying a sense of seriousness.

The gray color in the intertwined hands represents diversity and multiplicity, whether it is gender, age, educational, religious or cultural differences. It signifies that everyone is a complementary combination of opposites, and that knowledge is a right for every individual in society.

• The Slogan

“"We Build"is a simple and easy-to-remember phrase that helps convey the message to members of the community.

Therefore, we have set ourselves the task of enhancing the intellectual, professional, and vocational capacities of the citizens of our country in general and the Higher Metn in particular. We also aim to discover potential talents and develop them by organizing training courses that help trainees achieve their goals.

Vision revolves around human beings, as when they are empowered to fulfill their role in life, it leads to the formation of a strong and cohesive society.

"Building the human being is the foundation of a productive, cohesive, and advanced society."

We uphold our values and principles as members of the organization's family.

– Self belief 

– Self-confidence

– Dedication 

– Allegiance

The establishment of the organization was formed by a group of individuals from various towns in the Higher Metn region who have extensive experience and expertise in education, culture, practical skills, social and humanitarian fields. Thus, the organization "Higher Metn Artisan" was formed, and our interests include academic, professional, and vocational aspects, as well as various types of talents.

Knowledge is one of our main areas of interest and focus. We started collecting and preparing data from various sources, such as books, to create an electronic library as part of our website, which is currently under construction. We believe in the importance of providing knowledge and information to visitors of our website in various fields, as well as preserving the history of the Higher Metn region and its prominent figures in a dedicated section.

Our goals are numerous, and they are what led us to establish the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation, believing in the importance of the individual and our role in society. We are not just individuals who go through life without offering any benefits to our fellow human beings.

Building the individual is the cornerstone of building a productive, cohesive, and advanced society. Some of our organization's goals include:

1. Working on training community members who are willing to improve their practical skills.
2. Encouraging girls and women to participate in the job market.
3. Preserving the youth from deviance and protecting them from harmful temptations to the society.
4. Contribution to reducing the high unemployment rate prevalent in our Lebanese society.
5. Providing opportunities for people to pursue a trade and work in it.
6. Preserving some of the old crafts to keep them from becoming extinct.
7. Developing the character of young people and training them to take on responsibility.

Our action plan may be ambitious and full of optimism, and this is not surprising for us as a people who love life, continuity, and progress. But as they say, every journey begins with a single step, and we hope that this journey is just the beginning of a greater impact through our work in the organization.

Our action plan is rich in ideas and studies, some of which are already prepared and others are in progress. However, the most important element to achieve our plan is funding.

We started our work in an academic workshop held in September of last year, hosted by the municipality of Ras el-Matn for its implementation. Here, we extend our gratitude to the President of the Union of Municipalities of Higher Metn and the Mayor of Ras el-Matn, Mr. Marwan Baik, for their cooperation in implementing this workshop and providing the appropriate venue and necessary equipment in the municipality hall.

Our next project is a workshop titled "Childhood Cornerstone," which will begin on Saturday, December 4th. We would like to thank the Al Abu Alhusn Family Association for their cooperation in providing the venue at their hall in Btekhneih. The workshop will take place on Saturdays for three weeks and will end on Saturday, December 18th, 2021. In collaboration with the National Committee for Lebanese Children, headed by colleague Ms. Wijdan Abu Alhusn in the entire Metn region, the workshop will be conducted by clinical and field-experienced psychologist Dr. Abeer Al-Awar. She has previously collaborated with numerous educational, governmental, and non-governmental institutions, including Yale University in psychological care for refugees in camps, and specializes in psychological disorders for students and children in general. The aim of this activity is to provide guidance and counseling to mothers in identifying behaviors and improving their relationship with their children to help them overcome the negative effects of the current situation, which is negatively affecting their innocent lives.

We have several projects in our organization's action plan. Currently, we are working on enhancing the trainee's benefit from participating in vocational and professional courses through cooperation with accredited entities by official educational institutions. Thus, the trainee can obtain an officially accredited professional certificate either directly by adopting the certificate issued by the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation or by collaborating with our counterparts who have experience and records with official entities.

We are currently preparing for various activities related to children, talents, and arts in all their forms. We will share more information about them once they are ready and we have provided all the necessary resources.

The Higher Metn Artisan Foundation was established during a time of crises, as we faced obstacles due to the overall situation in our country and the COVID-19 pandemic. The successive decisions regarding banks have affected everyone, and no one has been exempt from their impact. However, we maintain self-confidence, determination, and dedication to contribute to the building of individuals within a society that we hope will be healthy and thriving.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the esteemed colleagues who were instrumental in the formation of the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation and turning the idea into a reality. These individuals are Mr. Jihad Al-Atrash, Mr. Amin Halabi, Dr. Fawzi Abou Rasslan, Mrs. Antoinette Shahin, and Mrs. Souad El-Masri Abou Chahin. It is important to send our prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to the dedicated and generous colleague, Mrs. Souad El-Masri Abou Chahin, who has always stood by humanity and selflessly served her country. We are confident that she will continue to stand with us in the future as we carry on the work of the organization.

Undoubtedly, the administrative board of the association has played and continues to play a crucial role in navigating the current challenges, accomplishing tasks, and collaborating for the public interest and human development. The esteemed members of the board are Mrs. Antoinette Chahin, Vice President, Prince Fadi Arslan, Secretary, Mrs. Souad El-Masri Abou Chahin, Treasurer, Miss Maisa Al-Banna, Accountant, and Miss Samar Bu Zaineldin, Administrative Member.

The General Assembly cannot be overlooked, as its members believed in the idea and goals of the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation. They formed the organization's family and have been actively involved in its work and progress.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed guests, as a simple "thank you" does not suffice to convey the depth of appreciation and value we hold in our hearts for your presence here and your unwavering support to the Higher Metn Artisan Foundation.

We wholeheartedly thank you for accepting our invitation and for attending despite all circumstances.

Lots of thanks,

The visual artist Inas Nowaihad.

The president of The Higher Metn Artisan Foundation.

November 26th, 2021.