Education - Diab for introducing students to business market

Sun 19/02/2012 13:32

NNA - 19/02/2012 Introducing high school students to successful business ventures and means of assessing the market topped talks between Education Minister and a delegation from Association for Human and Environment Development.

Hassan Diab, Minister of Education and Higher Learning, discussed with the delegation the benefits of introducing high-school and college students to successful establishment of institutions and private businesses, while taking into account feasibility, risks and needs of the job market.

R.Z.

Education - International Arab Baccalaureate Conference Draws Educational Notables From Across Lebanon

Thu 16/02/2012 17:23

NNA - 16/2/2012 - Education policymakers, school principals, heads of departments, and other stakeholders coming from all over Lebanon, participated in a much awaited, day long International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB) Conference, held at the Educational Research Centre (ERC) complex in Zouk Mosbeh, north of Beirut.

After a welcoming note by Dr. Tony Tohme Director of ERC, the conference began in earnest with IAB Chair (and author of the Profile Shaping Education (PSE), Prof. Ibrahim Halloun, with the subject: 'International Arab Baccalaureate: Student License to the Future'. Further topics included IAB Scope and Assessments, IAB e-Platform and IAB School Accreditation. Discussion around these topics even went on during coffee breaks and the luncheon, which were provided onsite.

The International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB) initiative was initially launched in Lebanon by ERC, back in July 2010, after two years of successful piloting and intensive monitoring. It is being implemented during the current academic year in Grades 10 and 11, at 28 schools located in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and will cover all three secondary school grades in the coming year, at the end of which the IAB diploma will be granted for the first time.

The recent conference follows an earlier IAB Conference on February 3 & 4 that gathered representatives from potential IAB candidate schools from KSA, UAE, Jordan and Egypt, in order to learn about IAB and consider implementing it at their schools
In an interview with Reverend Father Boutros Azar, Secretary General of the Catholic Schools in Lebanon, he said: "By participating to the conference, I realized the importance that we should attach to the various educational approaches, especially those that look after the Arab world, which is the basis of our work at the General Secretariat of Catholic Schools. This event shows how important it is to look after the students and the teachers for meaningful learning and teaching." He wished for the continuation of cooperation in order to have successful students, competent teachers and efficient trainings. "The main concern is the human being and the respect of his rights of privacy, heritage and culture."

He concluded: "I thank the organizers for this educational meeting and I look forward to further cooperation between us in order to achieve the lofty goals we seek in our educational mission, to build a better future for our institutions, society and the world, so that education becomes the means of humanitarian unity and peace between individuals and people."
Mrs. Nahla Osman Zahra, Director of Jinan High School in Saida - Abra, expressed her interest in the International Arab Baccalaureate and declared: "The adoption of this program distinguishes the student and the school; the students have an internal energy and this project works on its development as it is based on analysis that leads to creativity. Furthermore, this curriculum is characterized by the development of the teachers' capacities in a way to serve the school, teachers, students, parents, and the community as a whole."

Mr. Ahmed Alameh, Director General of St. George Schools in Hadath and Haret Hreyk, stated that the IAB diploma goes in line with the Lebanese certificate. He hoped that it will become a global certificate and that it will be applied at large.

Father Maroun Zgheib, Director of the School of Our Lady of Graces in Kfarchima and Damour, said: "We are here today to develop ourselves, our teachers and our educational curricula, as the existing programs do not comply with our requirements. We found a new thing in this curriculum that stems from the existing programs and tries to develop them." He also expressed his encouragement for this project.
The Conference comes at a time when ERC is working hard in order to have IAB recognized by ministries of education and concerned accreditation agencies, and accepted for entry at major universities in the Arab World and elsewhere, especially in Australia, Europe and North America, this can only mean good news for students of the Middle East and for the future competiveness of the Middle East.
ERC also announced that it is set to host a two-day international conference under the theme of 'Education for Innovation' in Beirut, Lebanon on March 24 and 25, 2012.

IAB builds on ERC's long experience in educational research, curriculum development and educational measurement in many Arab countries.

An international Governing Board of renowned Arab and non-Arab educators and policymakers sets and oversees the implementation of the general policy of IAB.
All IAB matters are carried out in the spirit of full partnership with accredited schools.
Design and delivery of IAB assessments benefit from the latest advances in measurement research and technology, including an IAB Electronic Assessment Platform which incorporates a unique item bank, an information management system, OMR assessments, online assessment and on-screen marking of paper tools.

Education - Layyoun: No culture without education

Sun 12/02/2012 13:53

NNA - 12/02/2012 - Minister of Culture, Gaby Layyoun, predicated the flourishing of Lebanese culture on the ability to achieve scientific and educational breakthroughs.

Speaking at a luncheon in honor of Father Marwan Tabet of the Oriental College in Zahle for his achievements in the fields of education at Casino Ouraby, Minister of Culture Gaby Layyoun predicated culture in Lebanon on higher educational standards.

He also gave scientific achievements in all relevant fields of academia a high significance for achieving the desired cultural progress and prosperity.

Having awarded Father Tabet a citation in appreciation of his work, Layyoun gave tribute to the major role played by the Oriental College in the fields of education and science. He well-wished the new principle Boutros Azar all success in his mission trusting that he follows in the footsteps of his outgoing predecessor Father Tabet.

G.G./P.BC.

Education - LAU, Zahle Evangelical School launch partnership program

Fri 27/01/2012 11:51

NNA - 27/1/2012 - Lebanese American University (LAU) and the Evangelical School in Zahle launched Friday their partnership in the sustainable education program under the patronage of Culture Minister Gaby Layoun.

The Minister delivered a word on this occasion, praising the role played by LAU in developing its sustainable education program in Zahle, to educate the region's inhabitants.

"Culture, education and development are not just slogans, but mental cognitive activities which enhance creativity," Layoun said.

He added that there would be no economy without culture, ethics and good education, highlighting in this regard the importance of developing educational capacities based on the market's needs so as to reduce Lebanon's social crisis and lessen the burden of unemployment and emigration laid on the youth's shoulders.
D.K.

Education - Diab receives Pietton, Dabbous

Wed 4/01/2012 16:07

NNA - Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab received at his office the French Ambassador Denis Pietton, with talks featuring high on joint projects between Lebanon and France.

Separately, Diab met with the representative of the Kuwaiti Fund for Development, Nawwaf Dabbous. Both discussed the issue pertaining to the construction of public schools in Lebanon.

Education - Education Ministry to transfer first payment to schools funds

Wed 28/12/2011 16:57

NNA - 28/12/2011 - Minister of Education and Higher Learning, Hassan Diab, on Wednesday announced that the Accountability Department at the Ministry would start transferring financial contributions as of next week to public schools' funds, after receiving the related decrees.

A statement by the Ministry explained that this is the first payment to be allocated to the funds, and that it constitutes 50% of the funds' due sums.

"The reimbursement came in application of a cabinet decision upon the request of the Education Minister, who sought to raise the first payment per each student from LL60,000 to LL150,000," the statement indicated.

The contribution's second payment is scheduled to be transferred in forthcoming March.

R.A.H.

Education - Culture Ministry expresses sorrow over Beirut theater's closure

Mon 19/12/2011 12:06

NNA - 19/12/2011- Culture Minister Gaby Layyoun expressed in a statement the ministry's sorrow over the urgent circumstances that led to closing Beirut theater, pointing out that the ministry has no authority to block that action.

The statement concluded, "the ministry puts the UNESCO Palace Theater at the disposal of every thearatical production and will provide all possible support in this field."

Education - Culture Ministry expresses sorrow over Beirut theater's closure

Education - Hariri discusses Lebanese University situation with Sayyed Husein

Fri 16/12/2011 12:46

NNA - 16/12/2011 - Deputy Bahiya Hariri discussed on Friday the situation of the Lebanese University with the University's Principal Adnan Sayyed Husein, in presence of Deputy Mohamad Hajjar.

A.A.M

Education- Sabounjian asks for including national industry role in curriculum

Wed 14/12/2011 14:44

NNA - 14/12/2011- Industry Minister Vreij Sabounjian sent a letter to Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab in which he asked him to include the national industry role and its importance in the educational curriculum in both academic and vocational and technical education as well as in colleges and public and private universities.

In turn, Diab responded that he asked Education Ministry General Directorate, Development and Research Education Center and Vocational and Technical Education General Directorate to meet Sabounjian's request and include the national industry role in the Educational Curriculum.

L.Y.R/N.AF

Education - Diab follows up on educational affairs

Mon 12/12/2011 16:48

NNA - 12/12/2011 - Minister of Education and Higher Learning, Hassan Diab, on Monday met with Swiss ambassador, Ruth Flint, over bilateral ties and an array of affairs and programs on all educational levels.

The Minister later met with a Palestinian delegation comprised of a panel of senior officials at the Palestinian Education Ministry.

Azzam Abu Bakr, heading the delegation, relayed to the Minister the determination to take advantage of the Lebanese successful experience in the field of education and higher learning.

For his part, Diab told the delegation that all doors were open to further educational cooperation.

R.A.H.

Education - Diab, WB follow up on higher learning development

Mon 5/12/2011 19:06

NNA - 5/12/2011 - Minister of Higher Learning and Education, Hassan Diab, and Hanin Sayyed from the World Bank on Monday took up the possibility to obtain the Bank's aid to help bolster higher learning and improve its quality through a specialized workshop with the participation of a number of international experts.

As hailing the WB suggestion, the Minister reminded of a project law on guaranteeing higher learning quality in Lebanon and the steps thus far achieved in that respect.

On the other hand, Diab headed today to Abu Dhabi to partake in the 13th conference for Higher Learning Ministers, on developing education in the Arab world.

R.A.H.

Education - Australian Embassy supports Playground Equipment in Ain Anoub

Wed 30/11/2011 16:27

NNA - 30/11/2011 - The Australian Embassy issued Wednesday the following press release: Mr Bruce Edwards, Charg� d'Affaires at the Australian Embassy in Beirut, inaugurated on Wednesday 30 November 2011 the new premises of the Autism Learning Institute for Applied Behaviour Analysis (ALI for ABA) in Ain Anoub. The Australian Embassy provided ALI for ABA with US$13,696 as part of its Direct Aid Program for the purchase of playground equipment for its school.

The ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Social Affairs, HE Mr Wael Abou Faour. Political, community, and religious leaders were in attendance.

Mr Edwards commended ALI for ABA for its efforts to provide education to children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

"Investment in children is an investment in the future," Mr Edwards said. "This is not the first time that we have assisted ALI for ABA in promoting the welfare and development of children with special needs. We are proud of our continued assistance and the Institute's ongoing excellent work."

The Australian Embassy provided funds to the Institute in 2005 and 2006.

The Australian Embassy's Direct Aid Program targets projects that require a small injection of funds but have a significant impact on the lives of underprivileged people. Over sixty communities have benefited from the program since 2004.

Education - Diab in Kuwait to attend conference of Arab Education Ministers

Sun 27/11/2011 16:15

NNA - 27/11/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister, Hassan Diab, arrived in Kuwait City to partake in the conference of Arab Education Ministers.

Minister Diab who leads a large delegation is due to officially handover conference leadership to Kuwaiti counterpart following Lebanon's presiding over conference during the last couple of years.

G.G./P.BC.

Education - Diab's independence message to schools

Sat 19/11/2011 12:11

NNA - 19/11/2011 - Minister of Higher Learning and Education, Hassan Diab, exhorted schools on Independence Day to mark flag-raising and Independence by honoring the event in both private and public schools.

The ministerial exhortation came in a special circular issued today in which the minister stressed the symbolic significance of such a day laden with patriotic mores and meanings.

Minister Diab demanded that flag-raising takes place in all schools with pupils singing the Lebanese national anthem. He also instructed that the first two sessions be dedicated to Independence Day with pupils asked to draw the flag and write essays with a sole purpose of furthering general patriotic sentiments

In his Independence message he brought to the pupils' attention the meanings of the event for they are the future of the country. He duly staked high hopes on them in nation-building and prodded them to stick to high mores and excellence in an epoch of modernity as he said.

G.G./P.BC.

Education - Diab admires Qabbani's sermon, says ethics key to better society

Sun 6/11/2011 13:28

NNA - 06/11/2011 Minister of Education and Higher Learning lauded in a statement Sunday the Adha sermon of Mufti Qabbani, contending that ethics must be an integral part of civics.

Mufti of the Republic Mohammad Rashid Qabbani highlighted the importance of schooling future generations on ethical standards, a pivotal step in building a strong nation and cohesive society.

Diab embraced Qabbani's suggestion. "Ethics should be part of the civics curriculum, as it used to be in the past." The Minister confirmed that moral principles make for a well-rounded model citizen. However, though school played an essential role in shaping someone's personality, Diab insisted that the family should also support such an education.

R.Z.

Education - Diab, full-time instructors tackle relevant demands

Fri 4/11/2011 17:08

NNA - 4/11/2011 National Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab held a meeting on Friday with Lebanese University Full-time Instructors' League who raised with the Minister relevant LU instructors' demands.
The delegation thanked the Minister for his efforts at the Council of Ministers to approve the new LU instructors' salary and degree scale project law, describing it as a qualitative demand.
Diab, for his part, considered project law approval a culmination of joint efforts and a prelude to an aspired, long cooperation phase for LU development.
The delegation also raised with the Minister the issue of LU contractual instructors, whereby Diab emphasized their right to be full timers in compliance with university laws in effect. "This matter is up to University presidency", Diab said, disclosing that he is working with LU University President on the formation of University council.
On the other hand, Diab met with LU University President Adnan Sayyid Hussein where they held a tour d'horizon bearing on all matters related to the university, especially with regards to part-time instructors.

---------------L.Y

Education - Diab receives Fletcher, former Deputies

Thu 3/11/2011 17:01
NNA - 03/11/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab received on Thursday at his office the British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher, with talks featuring high on joint projects between Lebanon and France on the educational level.

Separately, Diab received a delegation of former Deputes of Akkar, including Michael Daher, Wajih Baarini and Karim Rassi. The delegation presented to the host educational demands relevant to Akkar region.
A.M.

Education - Diab: To preserve freedom of learning

Mon 31/10/2011 13:25

NNA - 31/10/2011 Higher Learning and Education Minister, represented by Ahmad Al-Jamal, said Monday that ICHE conference boosts exchange of expertise.

The Higher learning department General Director also said, during the inauguration of the 2011 International Conference on Higher Education (ICHE 2011), that the remarkable increase in education institutions incite us to look for cooperation means so as to preserve the rights of students and educational bodies.

"Axes the conference is taking up are essential to developing higher education for it positively affects economic progress," he said highlighting the Ministry's endeavors aiming at setting a new educational law to preserve the freedom of learning, which is one the Lebanese Constitution's main constants.

The VII. International Conference on Higher Education aims at bringing together academic scientists, leading engineers, industry researchers and scholar students to exchange and share their experiences and research results about all aspects of Higher Education, and discuss the practical challenges encountered as well as solutions adopted.

L.W.

Education - LU teachers suspend strike

Fri 28/10/2011 16:01

NNA - 28/10/2011 - Lebanese University's teachers today suspended their strike scheduled for tomorrow, head of LU full-time teachers' league, Charbel Kfoury, announced on Friday.

He said cabinet's ratification of salaries and series grid paved the way for a global reform at the Lebanese University.

He called to reopen the LU doors and to make up for wasted time.

R.A.H.

Education - Diab congratulates professors on salaries' raise

Fri 28/10/2011 14:30

NNA - 28/10/2011 Higher Learning and Education Minister congratulated Friday the League of Lebanese University Professors for the approval raise on salaries.

During his meeting with the league's head, Charbel Kfoury, Minister Diab said this is the first step on the University (LU) development path.

The Cabinet approved a draft law to raise the salaries of full-time and part-time professors at the LU on Wednesday and formed a ministerial committee to propose the extent of the pay raise.

L.W.

Education - Diab pursues dialogue with Lebanese University full time teachers

Wed 26/10/2011 16:42

NNA - 26/10/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab pursued Wednesday dialogue with a delegation of the Lebanese University full time teachers' league presided by Charbel Kfoury.

Diab said the dialogue sessions led to concrete results, indicating that introducing reforms, constituting the Lebanese University council and promulgating new laws ought to be a priority.
D.K.

Education - The Charg� d'Affaires a. i. to the Embassy of Spain attends the graduation ceremony of young people in the municipality of Saida

Tue 25/10/2011 16:21

NNA - 25/10/2011 - Spanish Embassy in Lebanon issued on Tuesday the following press release: "The Charg� d'Affaires a. i. to the Embassy of Spain in Beirut, Mr. Antonio Prats Mari, attended, on Tuesday October 25th 2011 at 10h00 at the municipality of Saida, the graduation ceremony of young people in the framework of the project entitled "creation of job opportunities for youth dropping out of school and raising awareness on the reality of youth in the Palestinian camp of Ein el Helweh and the old town of Saida".

The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Saida, Mr. Mohamed Saoud and Palestinian Consul, Mr. Mahmoud el Asadi, as well as the Representative of Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in Lebanon, Ms. Irene Cabrera.

This event closes a two-year project that has benefited to 200 young people from the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el Helweh and the old town of Saida. These students have received professional training in different specialties. The project has been funded by the AECID (with an approximate cost of 350.000 Euros) and implemented by the Spanish NGO Civis Mundi and its Lebanese counterpart, the NGO Nabaa.
At the end of the ceremony, materials have been distributed for 20 percent of the youth who have excelled in their commitment and qualities during the courses to help them set up their own business."

Education - Government resignation farfetched, says Diab

Mon 24/10/2011 18:39

NNA - 24/10/2011 - Minister of Education and Higher Learning, Hassan Diab, bellied allegations that existing quandary among cabinet's members would lead to the resignation of Mikati-led government.

He called disputes within the government as "a healthy thing," stressing that divergence of opinions poses no problem whatsoever.

The Minister did not fail to indicate that the issue of part-time teachers at the Lebanese University was partly solved and that a comprehensive solution was en route to crystallization within the coming couple of weeks.

Diab made these remarks during a tour he effectuated on Monday in a number of schools in West Bekaa and Rashaya.

R.A.H.

Education - Education and Labor ministers launching Qualifications and Diplomas Workshop

Sat 22/10/2011 17:13

NNA - 22/10/2011 Education and Labor ministers Charbel Nahhas and Hassan Diab, launched a workshop for a general framework for Qualifications and Diplomas in Lebanon.

Both Ministers in conjunction with the European Foundation for Training (EFT) in presence of main university presidents and senior government officials, explored the best means for setting up a general framework to make the best use out of available qualifications and resources.

Speakers at the workshop stressed need for the proper deployment of qualifications within the local labor market in the best way they could to deal with galloping inflation.

Souhaila Tohme of the EFT said that the Europeans were very interested in developing vocational training so as to cater to the needs of local Lebanese labor market. Part of EFT tasks is to orient graduates to choose the future professions in accordance with their training qualifications.

Italian Ambassador, Giuseppe Morabito, said the workshop helps strengthen the system of institutionalization of expertise stressing continued Italian commitment to the program.

Minister Nahhas on the other hand, acknowledged the existence of complexities in view of the fact that training takes place in different languages and in accordance with different curricular programs.

He added that the Labor Ministry is working to bypass all those contradictions and spoke about what he termed as challenges posed by competition by the foreign labor force and that this training course would surely improve the economy and the local labor market.

Minister Diab for his part, spoke about the need for developing the need for a specialized Lebanese educational system and noted strategies ratified for this purpose in 2007. He added that a number of relevant educational laws would soon be approved by parliament such that applied sciences fit within projects of economic and social development.

He added that preparations for a national framework of qualifications need inter-ministerial cooperation. He complained about the lack of labor statistics and feasibility of certain diplomas.

The Minister thanked Europeans and Italians for their help in training and commended Labor Minister Nahhas for his efforts in making this project see the light.

There were three sessions during the day with speakers stressing need to set working relationship between Lebanon and the outside world.

G.G./P.BC.

Education - Government keen on updating higher learning systems, says Diab

Fri 21/10/2011 17:38

NNA - 21/10/2011 - Education Minister, Hassan Diab, avowed the government was exerting dauntless efforts to modernize higher learning systems and set up the national frame for qualifications.

The Minister on Friday inaugurated a workshop on launching the Lebanese network for national research and education, a project which he deemed as dire amidst the many challenges jostling the sector of education, higher learning, and scientific research.

The workshop's recommendations, labeled "Beirut's Declaration," capitalized the necessity to uphold efforts aimed at developing the newly-launched network, laying the underpinnings of an electronic infrastructure to link Lebanon's universities and research centers with other European and Arab networks, and enabling researchers and education and learning bodies nationwide, including students, to communicate.

Great hopes are pinned on this project, expected to promote researches, improve education, speed up progress, and create better job opportunities to young scientists.

R.A.H.

Education - Diab discusses educational affairs with his visitors

Thu 20/10/2011 18:32

NNA - 20/10/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister, Hassan Diab, on Thursday discussed with the Malaysian Ambassador to Lebanon, Elango Karopanan, means of boosting educational cooperation between Malaysia and Lebanon.
Karopanan noted that the education in Lebanon has a good reputation and is quite high in quality.

The minister also met with UAE Ambassador to Lebanon Youssof Ali AL-Assimi with discussions touching on ways of boosting bilateral relations regarding the educational field. Assimi extended to Diab an invitation letter from his counterpart to attend a conference for higher learning education in Abu Dhabi on the 7th and 8th of January.
R.K

Education - Teachers' Unions protest near Grand Serail

Wed 19/10/2011 12:10

NNA - 19/10/2011 The Lebanese teachers' union including private and public schools' teachers began Wednesday their protest at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Grand Serail.

The union member Mohammad Kassem told that a delegation of protesters is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Najib Mikati so as to raise their demands and discuss rejection of salaries' adjustment.

Kassem called on demonstrators to remain in places until the delegation returns and results of the meeting be learned.

L.W.

Education - Diab resumes discussions with LU teachers

Tue 18/10/2011 16:17

NNA - 18/10/2011 Education Minister Hassan Diab resumed Tuesday discussions to figure out a solution for the teachers' association demands during his meeting with a delegation of the Lebanese University Full-Time Teachers' Association.

The association insisted on having salaries' grid be similar to that of the Judges and hailed Minister's endeavors to speed up decision-finding process.

Diab reiterated the University's priority and called for opening negotiations saying that "rigidness in positions does not lead to desired results."
He also said that reform path can be achieved gradually.

L.W.

Education - Syndical Coordination Body declares Wednesday strike

Mon 17/10/2011 20:00

NNA - 17/10/2011 Syndical Coordination body declared an all-out general strike in all public and private schools, vocational and technical institutes, Lebanese University and public administrations on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2011, a statement by Syndical body said after its meeting this afternoon at Public Secondary Teachers' League headquarters.
The Body called for participation in the sit-in at 11.00a.m. on Wednesday in front of the government Serail, to back teachers, instructors and employees' right to wages' raise adjustment.
------------L.Y

Education - Diab meets Yemeni, EU Ambassadors

Mon 17/10/2011 15:48

NNA - 17/10/2011 Higher Learning and Education Minister Hassan Diab took up Monday the Yemeni students' situation in Lebanon during his meeting with Yemen's ambassador to Lebanon, Faisal Ameen Abu Ras.

The Ambassador urged Diab to be concerned in students' situation especially within tough circumstances their country is undergoing.

Diab also met with the EU Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorest and discussed with her on cooperation between the Ministry and the EU.

L.W.

Education - Diab focuses on KG education

Sat 15/10/2011 12:49

NNA - 15/10/2011 Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab held a meeting Saturday on ways to enhance Kindergarten (KG) schooling on both the teachers and students levels.

In a press conference the Minister held recently, he announced a rescue plan for the entire education system, zeroing in on the necessity of mandatory education up to the age of 15.

Diab stressed the necessity of establishing a strong basis for learning starting from KG classes. This step could be accomplished via a strong curriculum taught by capable teachers specialized in KG levels. The Minister also advised that concepts of citizenship and social education get introduced to students starting KG classes.

R.Z.

Education - Diab follows up degrees, salaries scale issue

Fri 14/10/2011 16:23

NNA - 14/10/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab followed up on Monday the degrees and salaries scale issue with the Lebanese University full-time professors' league headed by Dr. charbel kfoury.

Diab confirmed that dialogue should not end until reaching a suitable solution, as the university needs new salaries and degrees scale, highlighting in this regard the league's role in making difference and improving the university's performance.

Separately, Diab met with the engineers' syndicate's head, Elie Bsaybes with whom he agreed on forming a joint committee to set a law draft which puts engineers under test for their skills.
D.K.

Education - Presidency handover at Lebanese University

Fri 14/10/2011 16:12

NNA - 14/10/2011 - A presidency handover ceremony at the Lebanese University took place on Friday between outgoing LU head Zuhair Shukr and newly appointed Adnan Sayyid Hussein at the university's central headquarters in Mathaf / Beirut, in presence of the representative of Education and Higher Learning Minister, Nashaat Mansour, and others.

The new president said, in a word he gave during the event, the Lebanese University staff was supposed to accomplish all LU's pending files far from political pressures, as they [LU people] ought to set a compromise between national cohesion and balanced development of regions, in commitment to the national charter and Constitution.

We should reach a phase that would not prevent a university student from learning or accomplishing high educational degrees, said Sayyid Hussein.

Shukr, for his part, stressed upon the necessity of issuing a modern and civilized law for LU that aims to promote the academic and administrative work thereof. Shukr also called for forming a university council that manages its affairs without any external interference.

Education - Private Pedagogic institutions reject raise on salaries

Fri 14/10/2011 12:32

NNA - 14/10/2011 The Lebanese Federation of Private Pedagogic Institutions sternly rejected Friday the raise on salaries the Cabinet had recently endorsed.

During their gathering, institutions' representatives said this raise shall be definitely leading to a raise in tuition fees and thus, overburden parents and institutions alike.

Also, representatives condemned teachers' upcoming strike, to be held on Wednesday, deeming such practice to be against all parents and institutions.

In that respect they urged for taking into account teachers, students, and parents' interests at the same time without referring to unconstructive means.

L.W.

Education - Education Ministry, World Bank ink loan to improve public learning

Wed 12/10/2011 18:03

NNA - 12/10/2011 - Minister of Education and Higher Learning, Hassan Diab, and Hadi Arabi from the World Bank on Wednesday inked an agreement over a 40-million-dollar loan to fund a project on improving public learning in Lebanon.

Diab said the project complied with the educational salvation plan which he launched earlier this week.

For his part, Arabi hoped that the Arab countries benefit from the Lebanese experience in developing learning and education, stressing that education sector was paramount to boost growth and create new job opportunities.

R.A.H.

Education - Diab announces salvation plan for educational sector

Mon 10/10/2011 17:11

NNA - 10/10/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister, Hassan Diab, announced on Monday launching a comprehensive education plan for saving the educational sector at all levels.

In a press conference held on Monday at his office, Education and Higher Learning Minister, Hassan Diab, affirmed his commitment to the fivefold education plan already endorsed by the previous cabinet chaired by Saad Hariri, knowing that this plan aims for ameliorating the educational sector's condition on the levels of general education, vocational and technical teaching, and higher and academic learning.

Education - Tomeh: vocational, technical education must have independent ministry

Sat 8/10/2011 11:07
NNA - 08/10/2011 MP Nidal Tomeh advocated the case of vocational and technical education in Lebanon, which lacked proper equipment, and contended that a ministry free of that of Education and Higher Learning must be allocated for this field, during graduation ceremony of Official Technical Institute of Tikrit Saturday.

The global trend was obviously heading towards an escalating technological renaissance which demanded vocational and technical experts. Thus, Tomeh called for giving due attention to said field via properly equipping a ministry autonomous of present education ministry. "We should furnish it with premium technologies...and train professors in a way that allows them to instruct qualified pupils," said the MP.

R.Z.

Education - Diab: Cabinet to rapidly resolve LU professors' conundrum

Fri 7/10/2011 21:15
NNA - 07/10/2011 Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab relayed Friday to President of the Association of Full-Time Professors at the Lebanese University Charbel Kfoury the cabinet's intent to meet the demands of the professors without procrastination.

Cabinet approved Wednesday a draft law to increase the salaries of full-time and part-time professors at the Lebanese University (LU) and form a ministerial committee to propose the extent of pay raise; a step which Kfoury deemed to fall short of the demands made by the professors. In retaliation, an open-ended strike was announced until cabinet met all the rightful claims of educators at the LU.

"I believe in academic democracy and freedom of expression," commented the Minister ,who has thus far supported the demands of LU professors, "We cannot ask a university professor to make sacrifices, unless he was financially satisfied."

The LU announced Friday the postponement of the second round of examinations for the year 2010-11 as part of the ongoing professors' strike; Diab asked that future of students did not get negatively affected by such delays and for exams to take place as scheduled.

"My door is always open for continued communication with the Association," said Diab, who asked Kfoury to give him the tools to deal with this situation in the most productive means.

R.Z.

Education - Diab, Karami discuss educational needs

Wed 5/10/2011 17:04

NNA - 05/10/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister, Hassan Diab, discussed with State Minister, Ahmad Karami, the educational needs for the town of Tripoli and its regions.

Talks also tackled the Lebanese University professors' strike. "We hope to find solutions to the Lebanese University professors' pressing demands during today's cabinet session," Minister Karami said after his meeting with Minister Diab at the latter's office on Wednesday.

Education - Khoury receives L.U Full-Time Teachers League delegation

Mon 3/10/2011 13:47

NNA - 3/10/2011- Environment Minister Nazim Khoury received on Monday at his office a delegation of the full-time teachers of the Lebanese University, headed by Charbel Kfoury, who presented to Khoury a memorandum related to teachers' demands, notably the one related to the law draft pertaining to the salary grid adjustment issue for the educational board members of the Lebanese University.

A.M/N.AF

Education - Hariri launches educational development plan

Sun 2/10/2011 18:26

NNA - 2/10/2011 - Head of the Culture and Education Parliamentary Bloc, MP Bahiya Hariri, launched Sunday a plan for the development of the educational sector. The event took place at Rafic Hariri Secondary School in Sidon, whereby Hariri proposed the plan before both the administrative and educational bodies at the School, marking the outset of the new academic year.
In a word by MP Hariri, she emphasized that the development plan is based on engulfing the challenges of the 21st Century, at the foremost of which is educating the citizen regarding citizenship, national belonging, environmental awareness and food safety. She added that the essence of the educational development plan is to create an ambience for the 21st century student that is safe at both the educational and health levels, whilst boosting the understanding of nationality education through the school.

Education - Diab receives Ghosn, Terro

Thu 29/09/2011 18:48

NNA - 29/09/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab met on Thursday at his office with a delegation of the General Labor Confederation composed of GLC head Ghassan Ghosn as well as some of GLC members. Talks reportedly focused on GLC's demands for ameliorating the condition of public schools, adjusting wages of employees, and looking into teachers' concerns.

Separately, Diab received Displaced Persons Minister Aladdine Terro and discussed with him educational affairs relevant to the schools of Iklim Kharoub.

A.M.

Education - Diab tackles wages adjustment with LU retired professors

Tue 27/09/2011 19:16

NNA - 27/9/2011 - Minister of Education and Higher Learning, Hassan Diab, on Tuesday met with the league of retired professors at the Lebanese University over wages adjustment, whereby he proposed to refer this project to the parliamentary commission of education.

Separately, Diab met with the league of public primary teaching with talks featuring high on the four and half degrees project.

R.A.H.

Education - Diab meets with Koval

Fri 23/09/2011 12:44

NNA - 23/09/2011 - Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab received on Friday at his office the Ukrainian Ambassador to Lebanon, Volodymyr Koval.

Talks reportedly featured high on the agreement draft pertaining to cooperation between the two countries on the level of higher learning.

Education - Diab: Teachers' strike is futile

Tue 20/09/2011 21:34

NNA -20/09/2011 Minister of Education and Higher Education Hassan Diab met with Elementary Teachers' League headed by Aida Khatib and the union of private school teachers chaired by Secretary General Walid Jaradi to discuss the case of increasing grade levels and their influence on the education of students in private schools, especially that the union of private educational institutions refuses the increase.

Khatib called on the Minister to include this project in the agenda of the Cabinet for the sake of teachers.

In turn Jaradi thanked the Minister for his efforts and noted that this increase did not impose an extra burden as alleged by private schools, since the only increase on tuition was the sum of 26,000 Lebanese pounds more per student in secondary classes.

Diab promised to include the issue in the agenda of the next cabinet meeting.He also stressed the futility of a teachers' strike.

The Minister concluded that Prime Minister Najib Mikati sympathized withcitizens and their demands and possessed a global vision regarding the education sector.

Afterwards, Dia met with directors of public schools in Beirut.

R.Z.

Education - Diab takes part in EAIE

Sun 18/09/2011 14:25

NNA - 18/09/2011 Education and Higher Learning Minister Hassan Diab returned to Beirut Saturday after participating in the annual conference of the European Association for International Education in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Diab gave a speech lauding the positive impact Arab Spring has on improving learning and opening up new horizons of education.

A total of 80 countries took part in said conference, whose main aim is to stimulate and facilitate the internationalization of higher education in Europe and around the world, and to meet the professional needs of individuals active in international education.

R.Z.