UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States—Beirut organized a “Festival Day – Closing Ceremony for Phase 1 Activities of Building Dialogue and Communication Skills Project” (Beirut, 6 November 2009) in collaboration with the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC) under the patronage of the Minister of Education, H.E. Bahia El Hariri and the ambassador of LPDC Mr. Khalil Mikawi. The festival was held in UNESCO Beirut Office marking the end of Phase I activities of the UNESCO & LPDC “Building Dialogue and Communication Skills” project which is being implemented in various areas in Lebanon. The main objective of this ceremony was to highlight the inter- and intra-community dialogue skills that the children and youth acquired during their summer training in an interactive mode of performance through choir, folk dance and art exhibitions. It also aimed to intensify and open the floor for different manifestations of communication and dialogue between Lebanese and Palestinian children and youth.

Around 80 children participated in a choral performance with the Maestro of Al Fayha Choir followed by fascinating folk dance performances by both Lebanese and Palestinian children and youth from different regions in Lebanon. At the end of the ceremony, there was an art exhibition for a selection of handcrafts which were done by the children during the summer vacation. This ceremony was attended by local implementing partners and NGOs, stakeholders within the communities (parent associations, community workers) and trainers.

Contact: Hegazi Idris