Under the patronage of the President of Baalbek Municipality, the lawyer Ahmad Al-Tufaili, Al-Basha'er Secondary School held an exhibition of student activities and arts on the Ras Al-Ain promenade, attended by members of the municipal council, the director of Al-Hawra Charity Mr. Ibrahim Al-Saeed, the school's principal Hajjeh Itidal Al-Jamal, members of the administrative and teaching staff, the families of the students taking part, and educational and social figures.
The exhibition featured students presenting their work in dedicated corners, from the Islamic education and Holy Quran corner to languages (Arabic, French and English), the science subjects (mathematics and science), and practical subjects such as computing, social studies, robotics, environment and theatre. There was a special corner for some of the works of the religious authority Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, presented and arranged by the Al-Basha'er scout troop, in addition to an arts corner containing drawings and oil paintings by Al-Basha'er pupils.
On the occasion, the lawyer Al-Tufaili delivered a speech in which he said: “We gather today within a city that is like an open book from the pages of history, proud with its columns, great in its heritage, a witness to civilizations that have followed one another over thousands of years. In this place, which is carved into all our minds and hearts, and despite all the difficulties we are going through in these days, and despite all the suffering endured by Ras Al-Ain with its promenade, its river and its spring, we open a book fair. The book is the faithful friend, the light that illuminates minds, and the bridge that carries us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge”.
He added: “This fair is the fruit of the effort of an educational institution firm in its faith, which has made caring for the young and raising them in knowledge, religion and ethics its noble mission. Thanks to this institution, our children today hold the keys of knowledge with which to open the doors of the future.
He addressed the students, saying: “O adornment of this gathering, you are the hope of this city and its provision for a bright future, and this fair before you is a precious treasure. Seize this opportunity to taste the sweetness of books; draw close to their pages, for in them is knowledge that raises you, literature that refines your souls, stories that enrich your imagination, and values that root your faith and your humanity. Always remember the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
the seeking of knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim man and woman. Make the book the companion of your road, for it is the best of company”.
He continued: “Honored guests, supporting such initiatives is the duty of us all, as individuals and institutions. Baalbek Municipality places support for education and culture at the heart of its priorities, and today we affirm our continued support and cooperation with every educational institution that works to build the good person, the bearer of the banner of knowledge and faith.
He concluded: “We congratulate our dear Al-Basha'er Secondary School and all those behind this blessed work, and we thank everyone who helped make this fair a success, from the administration, teachers, students and volunteers. We wish our students a fruitful journey among the pages of books, one that lights their minds and broadens their horizons, and we ask God Almighty to bless this work and make it a new step on the path of goodness and knowledge along which our beloved city of Baalbek advances, the city of the sun, of history and of faith”
Al-Saeed
Mr. Ibrahim Al-Saeed then delivered a speech in which he said: “At Al-Basha'er Secondary School we are holding this event for the second year in Ras Al-Ain, and through these events we want Al-Basha'er Secondary School to make an initiative that says to all Lebanese that Baalbek is not as some portray it. It is not disputes, conflicts and crises. Baalbek is culture, civilization, heritage, people, giving, love and cooperation. It is knowledge and public libraries. Baalbek is green spaces, it is thinkers, writers and poets, and Baalbek overflows with its potential at every level”.
He pointed to “the golden potential and opportunities available to Baalbek Municipality to make use of the human resources present in the city, and affirmed that the initiative of Al-Basha'er Secondary School, with all its administrative and teaching staff, is at the disposal of Baalbek Municipality and alongside it in every field
After the speeches and the cutting of the opening ribbon, those present toured the displays, and the students gave an account of their exhibits, which had won top places at the Lebanese exhibitions in which Al-Basha'er Secondary School students had taken part”.
