Opening Speech From the Higher Metn Artisan

 So far, we have accomplished:

• An academic workshop titled 'Building Youth Capacities' that lasted for four days (18 hours) and had 16 participants.
• A series of 'Cornerstone Childhood' workshops in collaboration with the National Committee for Lebanese Children Metn branch, which focuses on the psychological well-being of children. It is a continuous series of sessions throughout the year 2022, 3 workshops have been implemented so far, divided into sessions that lasted for a period of 8 weeks (20 hours) with 27 participants.
• A course in computer basics for beginners that lasted for a whole month (40 hours) with 5 participants.
• A workshop training on loom weaving that has been implemented and will be followed by an advanced craft training soon to be announced (6 hours) with 8 participants.
• Sewing Principles Course - offered in several towns in the Higher Metn area. The course started on May 23 and will end on October 28, 2022. It was held in the towns of Qarnayel, Al-Khreibeh, and Al-Qraya (9 days each, spread over 3 weeks, 26 hours per course). The number of participants was 18.
• Managing Marketing and Developing Business Skills, as well as the use of social media for marketing, are still ongoing- (9 hours spread over 3 days) - 11 participants.
• Today's event, a Theatrical Competition for High Schools in the Higher Metn area. We are gathered here to follow and encourage the participating students. The aim of the competition is to promote reading and showcase young talents, and to foster them among high school students in grades 10 and 11.

The schedule of The Higher Metn Artisan includes a variety of vocational and professional courses. We aim to collaborate with relevant organizations to document the outcomes of these courses and work simultaneously on providing the necessary funding for them.

Regarding today's event, the idea of presenting this theatrical competition came as a result of observing the need of the younger generation to take an interest in the midst of the many problems facing the country. The initiative was to provide them with this opportunity and encourage them to showcase their talents in linguistic performance and expression through acting, and to embrace them. We have worked hard to provide what we can with colleagues and guest artists to assist and guide them. 

In order to encourage the youth in the high schools of the region, this competition was held, which may be the first of its kind, aimed at motivating them to read, research, and make efforts to acquire knowledge. In return, they present their work to an audience that trusts and encourages them, and they receive their prizes deservedly.

We intend to repeat this competition annually, God willing, with the aim of sustaining it and providing the best for our children. It has taken its place in the annual agenda of the foundation, with the goal of expanding participation and offering workshops in this field.

Here we must express our thanks and gratitude to a giant in his works and great in his experience, whose love for the Arabic language is as strong as his passion for acting. He has documented history through his valuable works, and of course we all know who we are talking about. It is the former syndicate of the Professional Artists Association, the artist and son of the Higher Metn, Jihad Al-Atrash.

We also highly appreciate the role of Dr. Michel Hourani, the artist, and we acknowledge what he has offered to the participating teams in the competition. When asked to provide assistance, knowledge, and guidance, he did not hesitate to provide a workshop rich in knowledge and expertise in the field of acting which was a strong support for them. Their seriousness and responsibility were reflected in their reaction. We hope that he finds the result of what he has offered to them in today's performances.

We greatly appreciate the presence and valuable role of the Lebanese screen giants who served as judges in our competition. Their positive impact on the participating high school teams was immense and greatly appreciated. We extend our deep gratitude to them for attending and encouraging our young talents, as they are professionals and masters in the fields of acting, language, and directing. We thank the esteemed artist Elsie Furneini, the syndicate Mr. George Chalhoub, the artist Mr. Nicolas Daniel, the artist doctor Michel Hourani, the director Makram El Rayess, and of course, the former syndicate of the Association of Professional Artists, Mr. Jihad Al-Atrash for their presence and support.

We would like to thank the administrations of the participating high schools for their vision in providing opportunities for their ambitious and talented students. We also regret the withdrawal of Al Abadiyah Official Secondary School from the competition due to reasons beyond their control.

We would like to express our utmost appreciation and thanks to the Mariussef de Lyon convent school, represented by Sister Kristine Salameh, for their cooperation in facilitating the implementation of this competition and hosting it on their stage.

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to Ms. Wafaa Muheeb Noueihed for her encouragement and generous support that made this event possible. We highly appreciate her contribution and support.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the sound engineer Mr. Mike Toma and the professional photographer Ms. Marie Chamaa for their collaboration and efforts in showcasing and documenting this event. Also, thanks to Mr. Walid Al-Hasaniya (Alhan Radio and TV) for covering the activity. I extend my thanks to my colleagues in The Higher Metn Artisan and the esteemed audience, and I hope to see their children and encourage them till the end of the evening.

Wishing everyone the best of luck.

Wednesday - July 6th, 2022