As part of the University of Balamand's ongoing Civil Society Support Initiative, the university recently partnered with the Lebanese Scouts Federation and the International Association of Orthodox Christian Scouts to host an online workshop on psychological support in times of crisis. This event led by the Orthodox National Scout Association was a key component of the "Peace for Lebanon" campaign, an initiative launched by the Arab Scout Organization and, aimed at strengthening resilience and well-being in communities affected by crises.

Held virtually on Wednesday November 13, 2024, the workshop brought together 45 disaster and crisis coordinators representing 22 Lebanese scout associations from all over Lebanon. Notable attendees included Chief Saeed Maaleki, Chairman of the Arab Emergency Committee, and Chief Faiza Kanbar, Commissioner General of the Lebanese Scouts Federation, and Maher Sahliya vice president of the DESMOS international link of Orthodox Christian Scouts, and the workshop coordinator and UOB Alumnus Commissioner General Chief Zaki Dib representing the Orthodox National Scout association.

On behalf of the University of Balamand, Mr. Michael Salem, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, welcomed attendees and underscored the university's commitment to civil society support, emphasizing that this workshop is part of a broader initiative to foster resilience in local and regional communities. He also expressed his hope that this will be a first step in further collaboration.

The workshop was led by Mrs. Pascale Kolakez, a counselor at the University of Balamand Counseling Center and a lecturer at the Department of Psychology. She presented an interactive session on trauma recognition, intervention strategies, and methods to mitigate the psychological impact of crises. Her expertise equipped participants with tools to support individuals facing trauma, enabling them to navigate challenging experiences with reduced psychological effects.

The University of Balamand is committed to support this vital initiative, underscoring its dedication to empowering civil society and promoting psychological resilience in Lebanon and beyond.

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