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Makhzoumi Foundation distributed around 3000 copies of the manual Lets its Talk which was the outcome of Let?’β¬β’s Talk Project within AFKAR 2 Program, implemented by the Foundation, funded by the European Commission, and managed by the office of the Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, in coordination with the Higher Council for Childhood - The Ministry of Social Affairs. 2500 copies were distributed to public and private schools throughout Lebanon whilst the remaining copies were offered to interested NGOs, participating students, and educationists.
The manual includes a CD of a play entitled Let?’β¬β’s Talk directed by Mrs. Oumayya Lahoud and performed by 47 students from Intermediate classes/year 2008-2009 in public and private schools in Beirut and its suburbs. These students also contributed to the scenario of the play after being trained by educationists.
Makhzoumi Foundation opted to choose the students from different backgrounds and directions to keep up with the project goals and objectives of which is to promote dialogue among different society communities and to highlight on the child's rights particularly on Article 13 (which provides for the child's right to freedom of expression and quest for information and ideas). The play was performed in May 2009 on Al Madina theatre in presence of a wide audience including students, parents and educationists.
The manual also includes colored cards briefing the articles of the "Convention on the Rights of the Child" displaying them in a simplified way that motivates students to read them and get acquainted with their content.
-Makhzoumi Foundation trainees at Mazraa Center/Hairdressing Division visited Daouk Establishment on 25/06/2009 whereby they participated in a workshop on how to use "Kiratine", a substance used to treat the hair, in the presence and supervision of Mrs. Munira Shoaib. Certificates of attendance were distributed.
Makhzoumi Foundation Administration extended special thanks to Daouk Establishment for inviting the trainees, where as the latter noted the trainees for their attentive listening and the interest they had shown.
- Makhzoumi Foundation, represented by the coordinator of "Let is Talk" Project Mrs. Arlette Saadeh - The project is under the scope of the Awareness program in the Foundation- participated in the closing conference of the operational phase of "AFKAR 2" Project on 07-10-2009 at Monroe Hotel, and was under the title: AFKAR 2: Efforts and Outcomes. Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, Ibrahim Shams al-Din, called for the meeting and was attended by representatives of ministers and officials and the media in addition to representatives of the Lebanese civil society and the senior staff of the Office of the Secretary of State for Administrative Development Affairs; Ms. Yomna Shuker Ghraib, ???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬???β??A’???β?β??A’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????’β¬???β??A¬???β?A’?’β?A¬?A¦???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?’β¬?AFKAR 2 coordinator, delivered the opening speech.
The meeting included a word for Mr. Jacques Christian, the President of Emergences which organized the ceremony and provided the technical assistance to the program and followed-up on the projects and held workshops in which Makhzoumi Foundation participated, in addition to the dialogue meetings and a study on the status of the Lebanese society.
Also, the President of European Commission Delegation in Lebanon Ambassador Patrick Laurent, spoke during the meeting expressing his pleasure to achieve the objectives of the program "AFKAR 2" through the implementation of 24 projects over two years worth three million Euros, and praised the Lebanese non-governmental organizations, which "has invariably proven to be one of the most stable institutions on the Lebanese arena which is constantly changing. Laurent expressed the readiness of European Office to continue to support this partnership for development, through ???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬???β??A’???β?β??A’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????’β¬???β??A¬???β?A’?’β?A¬?A¦???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?’β¬?AFKAR 3"
As well, the Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, Ibrahim Shams Eddin, gave a speech addressing the role of AFKAR Program in supporting the Lebanese civil society, noting the importance of the partnership which requires acceptance of others.
During the conference, a documentary about the NGOs projects funded in the framework of the "AFKAR 2" was presented highlighting the outcomes, and it included the "Makhzoumi Foundation" which encouraged dialogue among the youth from different Lebanese regions and communities, and urged them to cooperate and to produce a joint work equivalent to two complementary plays. The ending word was for the European expert, Derek Jareh, who talked about the strategies of networking.
The meeting included an exhibition of publications issued by the NGOs projects funded by ???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬???β??A’???β?β??A’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????’β¬???β??A¬???β?A’?’β?A¬?A¦???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?’β¬?AFKAR 2", and the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, and the European Foundation,???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬???β??A’???β?β??A’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????’β¬???β??A¬???β?A’?’β?A¬?A¦???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?’β¬?Emergences.
- Makhzoumi Foundation, represented by the Awareness and the Environment - Agriculture Programs Manager Eng. Sallama Namani, participated in the ???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬???β??A’???β?β??A’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????’β¬???β??A¬???β?A’?’β?A¬?A¦???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?’β¬?Green Week 2009 Conference entitled Climate Change: Act and Adapt organized by the European Union at Building Charlemagne-EU institutions Brussels, Belgium (June 23-26).
The conference included a series of seminars focusing on the theme of climate change in addition to preparing for the Summit to be held in Copenhagen in next December.
-Makhzoumi Foundation, represented by the President Mrs. May Makhzoumi and the Deputy General Manager Mr. Samer Safah, attended the launching ceremony of The National Human Development Report Toward a Citizen is State that was held under the patronage of the Lebanese Republic President, General Micheal Sleiman, and organized by the United Nations Development Program and the Council of Construction and Development, at Phoenician Hotel, on 30/06/2009.
The report is made up of 4 parts: Nation, state and citizenship, Balance Sheet on Citizenship, Attitudes and Perceptions of Citizens, and Toward a Citizen is State. The fourth part includes the recommendations related to proceeding towards the Citizen is State, some of which are: the right to Education, the right to Employment, freedom from Poverty and Socio-Economic Equity, the right to Health, in addition to Democracy and Promotion of Civic Culture, and all of them parallel with Makhzoumi Foundation vision and mission since being established, in 1997, contributing through its programs to the development of the civil society.
Thousands of citizens benefited from our programs: (1) the Training Program provides citizens of all age groups, and all educational & social backgrounds with educational, technical and vocational skills through different specialties: Computer, languages, Beauty, Administrative & Vocational specialties; (2) Micro Credit Program that has proved to be a powerful instrument for poverty reduction that enables low-income individuals to build assets, increase income and reduce their vulnerability to economic stress (3) the Health Care Program that provides different health services through the Foundation???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬A ?A’?’β?A¬?’β?A’???β?A’?’β?A¬?A ???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?A’?’β¬?Ύ?A’???β?β ?’β¬β’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????β?A’?’β?A¬?
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A????’β¬???β??A’s Health Centers, in addition to the pharmacy that provides medicines especially those of the chronic diseases. As well, the Foundation conducts periodic free health campaigns at all its health centers benefiting quite a number of citizens; (4) the Awareness Program that implemented the Public Awareness on the Concept of Democracy Project (2005-2008), within the framework of Civic Culture, promoting the concept of Democracy; the participants???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬A ?A’?’β?A¬?’β?A’???β?A’?’β?A¬?A ???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?A’?’β¬?Ύ?A’???β?β ?’β¬β’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????β?A’?’β?A¬?
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A????’β¬???β??A’ initiatives were collected in a booklet that was distributed to different sectors and communities in order to advocate the concepts and the experience of the participants for public welfare. Also, the program implemented Let is Talk Project (2007-2009) focusing on the right of the child to freedom of expression and quest for information and ideas. A manual about the "Convention on the Rights of the Child was prepared and distributed to the schools in Lebanon and to the NGOs; Agriculture-Environment Program that implements tree planting and environmental projects and activities.
So, Makhzoumi Foundation is efforts and activities parallel with the recommendations of the National Human Development Report Toward a Citizen is State since its starting date and is still going on???β?β ?’β¬β’???’β¬A ?A’?’β?A¬?’β?A’???β?A’?’β?A¬?A ???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?A’?’β¬?Ύ?A’???β?β ?’β¬β’???A’?A’?’β¬???A¬?β¦?A????β?A’?’β?A¬?
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-Makhzoumi Foundation was invited to attend the graduation ceremony of the intermediate classes at Haret Hreik International College School on 20/06/2009, at Golden Plaza. The school administration made an honorary gesture towards Makhzoumi Foundation whereby Mrs. Arlette Saadeh, the coordinator of Let is Talk Project, who represented the Foundation gave a thank you speech congratulating the students and pointing out the cooperation that took place between the School and the Foundation within the frame of the project. a number of the students participated in a play that was centered on the contents of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. These students and others from different schools in Beirut were trained to perform the play that was a big success. Mrs. Saadeh hoped that mutual cooperation will extend to the future through other projects.
-Makhzoumi Foundation held a prize distribution ceremony on June 17th 2009 for the winners of the poster contest that was organized within the framework of its project Awareness Training on the Importance of Solar Energy Application.This project which was implemented in partnership with the Greek NGO and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and falls within the scope of the Agriculture/Environment program at the Foundation, was funded by the Royal Embassy of the Netherlands in Lebanon
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Foundation, Mrs. May Makhzoumi, the project manager Engineer Sallama Namani, the representatives from the Embassy of the Netherland Ms. Nelleke Overberg and Mr. Jip Erdel, the representative from the Ministry of Education Ms. Vicky Ghosn, the President of the Greek NGO SENSE Dr. Nicholas Efstathiadis, and Engineer Hassan Al-Jaber. Also, representatives of the winning schools as well as the winners and their families participated in the celebration.
The contest targeted the sixth grade students who were asked to draw a poster that promotes the importance of solar energy application. Twenty four schools (private and public) participated in the contest; awards were allocated to the schools and to the top five winning schools and students. Maya Hamdania (Lyce de la Finesse School) won the first prize and her painting was converted to a poster to be distributed to the schools by Makhzoumi Foundation. The second prize was given for each of Nasrat Soleiman, Mohamed Ghandour, and Omar Dhabyan from Ein El-Mareiseh Public School who worked as a group. Mohammed Sweid from the El Thheira Public School came in third place, Ali Asaad from Sadek School- Amliyeh in the fourth, and Sarah Nader from El Nahj El- Hadeeth School in the fifth.
-Makhzoumi Foundation attended the press conference that was held at the Ministry of Agriculture on 17/06/2009 celebrating the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought; it was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation, under the title theConserving land and water - Securing our common future, in the presence of representatives of the United Nations Development Program and the Organization of Development and Construction Council, the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, President of the Center for Remote Sensing, the researcher Dr. Talal Darwish in addition to environmental and rural development associations.
First, the manager of the energy and environment program in the United Nations Development, Edgar Chehab, gave a speech referring to the importance of the "establishment of a unit to combat desertification in the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture", pointing out the projects carried out by the United Nations Development Program to reduce the phenomenon of land degradation, of which are: contributing to the preparation of the National Program to Combat Desertification and the rural development project in the dry lands.
Then the representative of the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture gave a speech in which he pointed out that "Lebanon, like other countries in the world, suffers from the phenomenon of desertification that destroys its lands and green mountains due to natural factors and most often to human activities; nearly 60 percent of the Lebanese lands are at risk of desertification. He also pointed out that Lebanon was one of the first countries that signed the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which was signed in June 17, 1994.
And then Eng. Hussein Nasrallah, the national focal point for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, gave a brief overview of the Convention principles that include: partnership and coordination at the international level in order to avoid duplication of efforts and to expand the concept of partnership and ensure the participation of indigenous and local communities and the integration of combating desertification programs within the development policies. He also pointed out that Lebanon has been elected a representative of the Asia and Pacific region at the office of reviewing the implementation of the Convention and has been chosen to be the reporter for the seventh and eighth sessions of the meetings held to review the implementation of the Convention for the years 2008 and 2009.
- Updating and development is what distinguishes the English-language program at Makhzoumi Foundation from other training centers.
Under this heading, the working group of the English language has made research for the use of new books that adopt the latest teaching techniques including a CD-Rom about the information found within the books.
Griffin Company, the distributing agent, provided a training workshop for more effective use of the new curriculum, on 29/5/2009. This workshop was held by the Lecturer at the Lebanese University, Dr. May Maalouf.
- Within the framework of cooperation between the two institutions, the Makhzoumi Foundation trainees/Men Barber Division at Mazraa Center visited Dr. Muhammad Khaled social institutions on 29/05/2009 and cut hair for 85 students.
This visit comes in the context of the social activities that are carried out periodically by Makhzoumi Foundation.
- Makhzoumi Foundation opened the play "Let's talk" on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at "Al-Madina" Theater - Hamra, in presence of Makhzoumi Foundation Founder Engineer Fouad Makhzoumi, and the Foundation President Mrs. May Makhzoumi, in addition to the representatives of the Ministry of Administrative Development Affairs, the Higher Council for Childhood, directors and representatives of schools participating in the project, and the families of students and a wide audience.
Eng. Sallama Namani, the Awareness Program Manager at the Foundation, made an opening speech elaborating on "Let's Talk" Project implemented by the Foundation under the scope of "AFKAR 2" Program, funded by the European Commission, and managed by the office of the Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, in coordination with the Higher Council for Childhood - The Ministry of Social Affairs. As well, she talked about the play which is the second one presented in the frame work of the project, within two years. The two plays have been centered on the contents of the "Convention on the Rights of the Child", particularly on "Article 13" which provides for the child's right to freedom of expression and quest for information and ideas. The play also focused on the importance of dialogue in finding solutions to various problems, and urged children from different directions to cooperate with each other. An educational material to be distributed to the schools in Lebanon and to the NGOs; it includes a CD of the play attached to a manual explaining the methodology used in the application of the project.
50 students, from different schools in Beirut and the suburbs, participated in this play whereby they talked with each other, worked together, and suggested ideas for the play under the supervision of educational specialists.
The audience expressed admiration for the play and the young actors.
- Makhzoumi Foundation conducted a free Health Campaign for Cardiograph, Blood Pressure and Diabetes tests in addition to the Sugar Storage test, at Achrafieh Health Clinic on 22/05/2009. 45 patients benefited from this campaign.
Also, the Foundation conducted a free Health Campaign for the Cholesterol, Iron and Calcium tests, at Mazraa Health Clinic on 27/05/2009.
These campaigns fall under the scope of the periodic preventive health campaigns carried out by the Foundation for public welfare and safety.
-Makhzoumi Foundation participated in The Premier Entrepreneurs Forum organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and Berytech Technological Pole, at Biel, on 21-22/05/2009, in presence of Ambassador Patric Laurant, Chief of the European Commission, and a quite a number of economic experts.
Ambassador Laurent gave a speech in which he talked about the first Lebanese network for the business development centers, established in 2007, with support from the European Union under the Integrated Support for small and medium-sized Program to provide advanced support and advice tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in Lebanon. He also announced the next program of the European Union regarding the development of the private sector, which is currently under development, and that aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Lebanese private sector; it includes the provision of further technical and financial support for the network of the business development centers, and enhancement of the quality of Lebanese products and infrastructure quality more and more, in addition to providing more technical support in relation to legal and administrative aspects associated with the work.
Then Minister Mohammad Safadi made a speech in which he praised the organizing parties of the Forum and the other initiatives aiming to create new jobs and build a compatible working environment to the Lebanese businessmen, as well as to owners of micro-enterprises or medium-sized enterprises.
-Makhzoumi Foundation participated in the Forum due to its leading role in the field of microfinance as it is one of the pioneer microfinance institutions in Lebanon.
As the hard work and constant development Makhzoumi Foundation logo, and to train students on the latest developments in fashion, he participated in the Department of instructors to make up the Makhzoumi Foundation, in a workshop provided by the female beauty in the company's leading cosmetics company K-Stars, and in 13/05/2009. The coaches received training concerning the new methods used to make up this season.
- the instructors of the make up division in Makhzoumi Foundation, participated in a workshop provided by the beauty specialist in the leading cosmetics company, K-Stars, on 13/05/2009. The instructors received training on the new make up styles for this season.
-Makhzoumi Foundation participated in the Sixth Annual Conference Human Capital in Microfinance: People, Passion and Value held by the Microfinance Network of Arab Countries (Sanabel) on May 12th 14th 2009 in Beirut, Lebanon.
This conference was attended by microfinance practitioners from the Arab countries as well as international and regional microfinance experts; 460 attendees were present.
During this conference, several micro-entrepreneurs were honored for their successful stories showing how microfinance can improve the living status of the individuals and consequently contribute to the social development. Mrs. Nabiha Kousa, a Makhzoumi Foundation beneficiary, was one of the four Lebanese micro-entrepreneurs awarded the Sanabel Award 2009. The winners received honorary trophies and financial prizes.
Also, Makhzoumi Foundation was granted Certificate of Transparency 2007 for achieving four diamonds on the MIX MARKET, improving the transparency, quality and reliability of the microfinance information.
-As usual, Makhzoumi Foundation took part in the National Campaign for cleaning the beach entitled The Big Blue conducted by Cedars for Care on 17/05/2009, whereby the Foundation volunteers helped in cleaning Al Bahsa Beach in Jbeil.
Cedars administration thanked Makhzoumi Foundation for the on-going eager participation in the activities that contribute to a clean and green Lebanon.
-Makhzoumi Foundation participated in the Lebanese 4th Career Exhibition, on 7/5/2009, in order to communicate with the different universities, institutes and recruitment companies.
The university students were mostly interested in the Civic Centers new program that is accredited by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry; some of the administrative and business courses of this program are:
- Management
- Accounting
- Business English
This is in addition to the other regular courses provided by the Foundation like: Computer, Languages, Beauty as well as different workshops.
Under the scope of the Agriculture/Environment Program, Makhzoumi Foundation distributed a total of 4186 olive, pomegranate and acacia trees through Ghada Alireza Charity Fund. These trees were provided to 651 farmers in different regions in South Lebanon and in Akkar/North Lebanon. To name a few: Sarafand, Roum, Hanouwey, Azza and Nabatieh in the South; Klayaat, Al-Menyeh, Al Birah, Wadi Al rihan and Sheikh Abbass in the North.
The Foundation was adamant to distribute fruit trees in order to help the farmers increase their income and improve their economic status.
- Makhzoumi Foundation attended the launching ceremony of the National Permanent Environmental Conference held in March 2009 in Habtour Hotel. A group of volunteers, coming from different Lebanese Environmental NGOs, emerged from this conference in the aim of watching over the environmental issues in the different Lebanese regions. This group has been called The Protectors of the Environment and it includes volunteers from Makhzoumi Foundation.
- Under the scope of periodical preventive health campaigns, Makhzoumi Foundation conducted free Osteoporoses Campaign at its Mazraa Health Clinic, on 7/4/2009. Calcium Medication samples were disbursed to the ladies whose test results indicated deficiency in Calcium. 45 ladies benefited from this campaign.
-Also, In Ottawa, the Press Club Institute of Canada was presented by the Makhzoumi Foundation with a cheque of $30,000 for the scholarship fund, which will help students of Media continue with their studies and to support press freedom as well as to reward and encourage excellence in journalism through awards and scholarship programs.
-Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi and his spouse Mrs. May Makhzoumi made a trip to Canada whereby they visited the Lebanese communities in several Canadian Cities and were received with great appreciation. For better understanding of the Lebanese situation, and during their visit to Edmonton City, they offered an endowment by the Makhzoumi Foundation of $250,000, to be matched by University of Alberta to establish an institute for Lebanese studies at the Faculty of Art. This institute will provide Canadians the opportunity to study about history of Lebanon and will have a group of students and professors to visit Lebanon yearly to have closer links between the two countries. Edmonton was chosen due to the presence of a large Lebanese community there.
Mr. and Mrs. Makhzoumi proceeded with this step in order to erase the tarnished image of Lebanon that has been harmed by many unfortunate events and to emphasize its enormous contributions to world civilization.
- As usual in every year and on the occasion of Mothers Day, Makhzoumi Foundation trainees/Beauty Division at Mazraa Center visited the Islamic Elderly House on 26/3/2009, whereby they cut hair for a number of the elders and offered them souvenirs.
The House administration thanked the Makhzoumi Foundation for the humanitarian gesture wishing continuous cooperation.
As well, Makhzoumi Foundation trainees/Men Barber Division at Mazraa Center visited Mohammad Khaled Foundation on 3/4/2009, whereby they cut hair for 110 students within the framework of cooperation between the two foundations.
The monitors in charge of the students thanked Makhzoumi Foundation for this gesture giving tribute to the trainees for their performance and care.
- Makhzoumi Foundation attended the launching ceremony of the Towards a National Strategy against Corruption Conference that was organized by the The Lebanese Association for Enhancing Transparency No Corruption and UNDP and was held under the patronage of the Lebanese President Major General Michel Suleiman, at Phoenician Hotel on 25/3/2009. The Minister of Interior Affairs, Mr. Ziad Barood, who represented the President, opened the ceremony with a presentation on 2008 report of the International Transparency Organization, hoping that the Elections Monitoring Committee will contribute to better democratic process. Deputy Ghassan Mukheiber, the Head of the Lebanese Parliamentarians against Corruption Association, pointed out that corruption is spread all over Lebanon and in all sectors including the civil society. The resident UNDP representative Marta Rouidas just praised the Lebanese government commitment towards combating corruption. Mr. Hassan Karim, the UNDP policies expert, presented the conferences recommendations, of which is the one related to establishing a national committee for combating corruption.
- Within the framework of cooperation between Laha Association (Sidon) and Makhzoumi Foundation / Civic Centers Program, Laha arranged a ceremony on 26/3/2009 to distribute the graduation certificates to trainees from different specialties. Mrs. Suhair Zarif, Laha President, elaborated in her word on the Associations role in empowering and activating the woman contribution in the society and in enhancing her skills to achieve financial and self independence paying tribute to Makhzoumi Foundation that has been backing Laha Association and supporting it through all stages.
Mrs. May Makhzoumi wished in her word prosperity to the Association emphasizing the on-going cooperation, and then she distributed the certificates to the distinguished trainees.
A Beauty and Hairdressing Show (Dfil) was presented (displayed)
Also, Makhzoumi Foundation arranged a graduation ceremony at Mazraa Center to distribute certificates to the trainees in presence of the President, Mrs. May Makhzoumi, and the Deputy General Manager, Samer Safah. Mrs. Makhzoumi praised the trainees efforts towards improvement and progress and distributed certificates and medals to the distinguished. The trainees praised the Academic Proficiency of the Foundation that always provides the best services.
- Makhzoumi Foundation took part in the 8th meeting of the Arab Fund Forum that was held in Abu Dhabi on 20 & 21 March 2009; Miss Sallama Namani, the Manager of the Awareness and Agriculture/Environment Programs, represented the Foundation. The attendees included representatives of more than 20 Foundations from different Arab Countries in addition to several European guests. The members discussed the organizational issue whereby they elected a board of directors included six members from Jordan, Palestine, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon represented by Eng. Namani (Secretary of the board).
Three seminars were held during the Forum on three important topics: Youth and Development, Children Well-being and Education, and Global Climate Change during which Eng. Namani a presentation about this problem pointing out the different environmental activities of Makhzoumi Foundation. Three committees emerged to follow-up on the three topics aiming to conduct common activities related to those topics.
As well, Makhzoumi Foundation participated in The International Conference for Islamic Philanthropy that followed the above meeting and was also held in Abu Dhabi on 22 & 23/3/2009.
- Makhzoumi Foundation carried out a free campaign for Cholesterol test and Calcium & Iron tests at Achrafieh Health Clinic on 1/4/2009.
This campaign comes within the context of the periodical health campaigns conducted by Makhzoumi Foundation for public welfare.
-Makhzoumi Foundation participated in UNDP's Peace Building Project Follow up Training for the NGOs who participated in Training of Trainers for NGOs on Peace Building and Conflict Prevention Methodologies workshop held last August. The follow up training took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the 19th & 20th of February 2009.
The participants were trained on how to write proposals for funding and provided with the skills to incorporate the peace building approach into their methodology.
Subsequent to the Follow up Training Programme, participants will have the chance to formulate and present a project proposal. One project will be selected for funding on a competitive basis by the Peace Building Project and the trainer.
-Under the scope of the preventive health campaigns, Makhzoumi Foundation conducted the Annual Pap-Smear Test Campaign at Achrafieh Health Clinic on 10/03/2009, and at Mazraa Health Clinic 0n 17/03/2009.
-Makhzoumi Foundation has conducted the last two workshops of its Project, Awareness on the Importance of Solar Energy Application, funded by the Netherland Embassy and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Lebanon and the Greek NGO SENSE, in Meridian-Commodore Hotel on the 30th and 31st of January 2009. Science teachers of 6th grade class from public and private schools throughout Lebanon attended these workshops.
These workshops included theoretical and practical information on renewable energy with emphasis on the solar energy. The participants received an educational kit to be used in scientific experiments on solar energy in front of the students at their schools.
In addition, Best Poster Contest on solar energy application was announced for the students of the schools that participated in this project whereby awards will be distributed to the first five winners at the end of the project in June 2009.
-Within the framework of the "Public Awareness on the Concept of Democracy" Project that was funded by the European Commission, a book was issued under the title of Public Awareness on the Concept of Democracy: Initiatives in the Daily Democratic Actions. This book includes the proceedings of the twelve workshops that Makhzoumi Foundation/Awareness Program held in the different Lebanese regions in aim to spread the benefit as much as possible.
The book includes 25 initiatives performed by the participants pointing out the success that could be achieved by cooperation and solidarity that lead to society empowerment and arouse the citizens capabilities and enhance self-confidence improving their living conditions.
The book is made up of two four sections: Practicing and Disseminating Democracy; Participating in the civil society social work for better quality of living; Civil, Economic, Social and Educational Rights; and finally, Defending Rights as a Condition and a Guarantee for a better Quality of living.
The book was distributed to a number of the public libraries, municipalities, NGOs, Universities, Media, Ministries and to Project Participants.
Makhzoumi Foundation organized a ceremony in the Roum Orthodox Church in Ain Al-Jdeidi in order to distribute certificates of attendance to the ladies who participated in the two crafts workshops on Molding and Decorating Chocolate and Paper Work.
These workshops come within the context of the different workshops that the Awareness Program holds aiming to enhance womens skills and to empower their productive capabilities.
-Makhzoumi Foundation, in collaboration with Art of Living Lebanon, distributed 4000 plants to 20 universities and schools through different municipalities all over Lebanon. This activity took place on Tree Day in December 2008.
It is worth mentioning that the activity comes within the framework of the Green Land Project, supported by the United Nations millennium campaign and the United Nation Environmental Program which aims at disseminating awareness on the significant role of tree planting in alleviating the Global Warming
-Makhzoumi Foundation proceeds with its preparations for a new play to be performed by students, of ages 12 to 15 years, from public and private schools in Beirut and its suburbs.
This play represents the second part of "Let's Talk" Project under the scope of "AFKAR 2" Program implemented by the Foundation, funded by the European Commission, and managed by the office of the Minister of State for Administrative Development Affairs, in coordination with the Higher Council for Childhood - The Ministry of Social Affairs. The play focuses on the contents of the "Convention on the Rights of the Child", particularly on "Article 13" which provides for the child's right to freedom of expression and quest for information and ideas. The play also emphasizes on the importance of dialogue in finding solutions to various problems, and urges children from different directions to cooperate with each other. The children will be introduced to the convention through this play that they will be participating in preparing as well as performing it at "Al-Madina" Theater Hamra between 8 and 12 May 2009.
-Makhzoumi Foundation launched its Project, Awareness on the Importance of Solar Energy Application, by conducting the 1st and 2nd workshops in UNESCO Palace on the 19th and 20th of December 2008. 71 science teachers of 6th grade from public and private schools throughout Lebanon attended these workshops.
These workshops included theoretical and practical information on renewable energy with emphasis on the solar energy; lectures were given by the two specialists, Eng. Hassan Jaber and Dr. Nicolas Afstathiadis. The participants received an educational kit to be used in scientific experiments on solar energy in front of the students at their schools.
It is worth mentioning that this project is funded by the Netherland Embassy and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Lebanon and the Greek NGO, SENSE.
-Makhzoumi Foundation/Micro Credit Program took part within The "City Group Award for Micro Entrepreneurs" project 2008, funded by City Group and executed by The Young Men Christian Association. An honorary ceremony was arranged in Maridean-Commodore Hotel on 17/12/2007 to distribute the award to the best micro entrepreneurs in Lebanon.
Awards were distributed to already established or new micro enterprises whereby the first and second awards were granted to two beneficiaries from Makhzoumi Foundation Micro Credit Program; Mr. Moustafa al-Mouhalhal received the first award and Mrs. Samia Douqmaq the second one.
-Within the context of the external activities of Makhzoumi Foundation trainees, the photography class made a visit to the city of Tyr on 7/12/2008; they took photos for its historical old castle in addition to different beautiful natural scenes of the area.
-Makhzoumi Foundation carried out a free health campaign for Cholesterol & Triglyceride on 18/11/2008, at its Achrafieh Health Clinic; quite a number visited the clinic to benefit from this campaign. As well, the Foundation conducted a precautionary health campaign for the stomach virus check-ups at its Mazraa Health Clinic on 8/12/2008.
These campaigns come within the context of the health campaigns conducted by Makhzoumi Foundation Health Clinics contributing to the health safety of the community.
-Makhzoumi Foundation participated in the twelfth International Forum for Education and Training, Academia Lebanon, that was held in Movenpick Hotel on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of December 2008. More than 50 universities and international educational institutes take part in this Forum and around 10,000 visitors, including students, teachers and professors, visit it.
Quite a number of students attended the presentation given by Makhzoumi Foundation about its training program and the specialties available at its centers, pointing out that the Foundation is now an accredited center for Microsoft Office and TOEFL iBT tests.
-Makhzoumi Foundation attended the ceremony arranged by the Collective for Local Work to announce the opening of its center in Baalback in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, funded by the Italian Ter Com Project and the Italian Embassy, and under the patronage and presence of the head of Baalback Municipality.
The ceremony took place on 27/11/2008 at Sayyedat Al-Maounat Church in presence of the manager of Ter Com Project and representatives of the Italian and Japanese Embassies as well as a number of NGOs, economical and educational institutes.
The speeches focused on the essential role to be played by this collective, which includes several NGOs and municipalities, in enhancing the local capacities and in the development of the area cities and villages, at various levels.
-Within the framework of the precautionary campaigns of Makhzoumi health clinics, Mazraa Clinic conducted a free campaign for regular children check-ups on the 14th and 15th of November 2008. A number of children visited the clinic and were examined by the clinic general practitioner.
During this campaign, brochures with precautionary guidelines were distributed to these children, in addition to coloring books and pens.
-Mazraa Health Clinic conducted a free health campaign for Osteoporosis and Varicose, on the 11th of November 2008; 70 ladies benefited from this campaign.
-Makhzoumi Foundation/Awareness Program conducted a crafts workshop on "Chocolate Molding and Decoration" at Mazraa Center on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of November 2008. In response to the ladies' requests, a second workshop on "Decoration of Trays and Baskets" was conducted on the 11th, 12th, and 13th. These two workshops come under the scope of the periodic crafts workshops that the Makhzoumi Foundation Awareness program carries out to empower women through providing them with different skills that enhance their productive capabilities.
-Within the framework of following-up on the actions of the Arab Fund Forum (AFF), the temporary executive committee held its first meeting in Jordan/Amman on 6/11/2008, in presence of the three members: Dr. Atallah Kattab (Al-Taawoun Foundation-Jordan), Mr. Homam Zar (Mohammad Bin Abd Al-Aziz Foundation-Kingdom of Suadi Arabia), and Mrs. Sallama Naamani (Makhzoumi Foundation). Several issues were raised in this meeting some of which are: the understanding memo between Al-Taawoun Foundation (the host foundation) and the Forum, logistics and administrative issues, extension of the hosting period for another 3 years and the expansion of the Forum's membership to include new foundations, in addition to the issue of fundraising and the preparation for the next meeting to be held in Abu Dabi in February 2009.
-The Microcredit Program administration at Makhzoumi Foundation adheres to following-up on its beneficiaries to help them lead successful business activities in order increase their income and improve their economic status. Accordingly, the Foundation conducts periodic workshops, at its Mazraa Center, entitled "How to Start your Own Business", on topics related to skills, capacities and accounting, such as book-keeping, marketing, pricing, and drafting a business plan to name a few. Within this context, Makhzoumi Foundation conducted one of these workshops on the 10th of November 2008.
-Within the framework of the precautionary campaigns conducted at the health clinics, Makhzoumi Foundation has been participating in the National Mammography Campaign, arranged by the Ministry of Public Health, from the 1st of October till the 15th of November 2008.
-Mazraa Health Clinic conducted a free health campaign for Cardiograph and check-ups of Blood Pressure and Diabetes, on the 20th of October 2008; the patients who visited the clinic benefited from the medicines available at its pharmacy.
-Being a non-governmental organization accredited to the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Makhzoumi Foundation was invited to attend the seventh session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 7) and the first special session of the Committee on Science and Technology (CST S-1) held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 3 to 14 November 2008.
Makhzoumi Foundation was granted accreditation due to its efforts and contribution to the UNCCD process.
-A grant contract between the Embassy of the Netherlands in Lebanon and Makhzoumi Foundation was signed on August 25th by Mrs. Nelleke Voorberg and Mrs. May Makhzoumi respectively.
The project aims at raising awareness on the importance of renewable energy by spreading the principle of solar energy and emphasizing its role as an efficient and renewable source that could easily replace traditional ones.
Two hundred and ten science teachers of the 6th grade from both public and private schools in all the regions of the country would be trained on new technical skills of solar energy. A training manual would be designed and simple devices/educational kits would be developed by highly qualified professionals to be used as teaching material that would support the official science curriculum. The scope of the training would include a general overview about renewable energy sources with emphasis on practical exercises for applying solar energy in producing electricity and heat.
-Makhzoumi Foundation took part in "Ayyam Al-Ouloum" organized by the Ministry of Culture in the Hyppodrome, on the 9th, 10th and 11th of October 2008. It was a cultural, scientific and entertaining event that included a number of different activities which provided the visitor with scientific information in a simple and entertaining way.
During this event, Makhzoumi Foundation presented environmental information, theoretical and practical, about "How to benefit from home solid wastes".
-Makhzoumi Foundation and the Arab Fund for Human Rights hosted a meeting for the Arab Fund Forum (AFF) in Meridiene- Commodore Hotel in September 2008 in presence of 12 members of the Forum.
The organizational frameworks were discussed during the meeting where four committees presented their suggestions; the committees are: "the Content Committee, the Membership and Communication Committee, the Legal Committee, and the Organizational Committee".
A temporary executive committee was elected to follow-up on the Forum; it included: Dr. Atallah Kattab (Al-Taawoun Foundation-Jordan), Mr. Homam Zar (Mohammad Bin Abd Al-Aziz Foundation-Kingdom of Suadi Arabia), and Mrs. Sallama Naamani (Makhzoumi Foundation).
The next meeting will be held in Abu Dabi in February 2009.
-Makhzoumi Foundation held, under the patronage and in presence of the Founder Engineer Fouad Makhzoumi, its annual Iftar in Royal Plaza Hotel-Rawsheh on 25/09/2008. The attendees were representatives of international entities and of several ministries that cooperate with the Foundation in the framework of different projects, in addition to social activists, schools, universities and other various institutes.
The General Manager, Mr. Samer Safah delivered a welcome speech introducing the Foundation's activities and programs as well as its achievements through out 12 years of challenging and earnest work. He pointed out that 50,000 beneficiaries received 80,000 certificates through the Civic Centers Program, 4500 loans were disbursed through the Micro Credit Program, 81,000 Medical Cards were issued and about 100,000 medical services were provided through the Health Care Program, while 21,000 citizens benefited from the Awareness Program, and 30,000 citizens in 170 locations benefited from the Agriculture/Environment Program.
The President, Mrs. May Makhzoumi, focused in her speech on the crucial role of the Foundation that offers its services to all Lebanese, since 1997, irrespective of their affiliation, beliefs or regions. She pointed out that despite the difficulties and the challenges faced by the Foundation, it continued with determination and perseverance to provide its services for the empowerment and development of the Lebanese Society.
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