The University of Balamand launched the
Balamand Civil Society Support Campaign in response to the war on Lebanon. With the nation experiencing unprecedented challenges, the university worked to support displaced families and local communities, ensuring that immediate aid reached those most in need. The campaign made a significant impact, with efforts including
This initiative was a community-wide effort, with students and staff across all campuses (Koura, Akkar, Dekwaneh and Souq El Gharb) actively participating through volunteer work and
donations. Additionally, student clubs organized several donation drives, amplifying the support and resources available for affected communities.
The
Office of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Lebanese Red Cross, organized three blood drives across various campuses, resulting in over 100 participants. Meanwhile, the
Civil & Environmental Engineering Department provided its state-of-the-art labs for water testing, aiding organizations in the Lebanese National Water Sector. This collaboration offered expert support and tools for accurate water quality analysis, ensuring safe water access for displaced populations and vulnerable communities.
The
Office of Student Affairs also organized a mental health initiative led by the UOB Psychology Club. The first in a series of workshops, titled “Taking Charge of Your Anxiety and Worry,”
provided valuable insights on managing stress and anxiety. These sessions fostered emotional resilience and a sense of community, which were critical during those times of hardship.
"As a Higher Education Institution, our commitment extends beyond academics to the very heart of our community. In times of crisis, we must stand together, offering support and compassion
to those who are suffering. I want to personally thank our alumni and donors for their generous contributions and our student volunteers for their tireless efforts. Each act of kindness, no matter
the size, strengthens our collective resolve to restore hope and dignity to our people."
- Dr. Elias Warrak, President
Through the Balamand Civil Society Support Campaign, the university extended its reach in collaboration with local municipal leaders, the Lebanese Red Cross, and support for displaced
families, including those from the Lebanese Army.
As part of this initiative, UOB partnered with the Lebanese Scouts Federation and the International Association of Orthodox Christian Scouts to host an online workshop on psychological support during crises. The workshop, led by the Orthodox National Scout Association, was a key element of the “Peace for Lebanon” campaign, launched by the Arab Scout Organization. It brought
together 45 disaster and crisis coordinators from 22 Lebanese scout associations to strengthen resilience and well-being in communities affected by crises. The session, conducted by Mrs.
Pascale Kolakez, a counselor at the University of Balamand Counseling Center and a lecturer in the Department of Psychology, covered trauma recognition, intervention strategies, and methods
to mitigate the psychological impact of crises.
Thank you for standing with us and showing unwavering commitment to the people of Lebanon. With your help, we were able to bring meaningful support to those in need.
