Minister Bou Assi launched the opening ceremony of LGU NGOs Fair 2018
Social solidarity is enhanced by government efficiency and the contribution of institutions and organizations.
The Lebanese German University, in collaboration with the Pastoral Committee of Social Work at Jounieh Diocese, organized NGOs Fair 2018 on the occasion of World Day of the Poor under the patronage and in the presence of HE Deputy Pierre Bou Assi, Minister of Social Affairs; Monseigneur Louis Boueiry, representing Bishop Antoine Nabil Andary, Maronite Patriarchal Vicar of Jounieh; Mr. Roger Adaimi, Vice President of Jounieh Municipality as well as a host of academic and public figures.
Following the Lebanese national anthem, LGU President Professor Samir Mattar spoke about LGU social and humane activities and the objectives of the Fair.
In turn, Monseigneur Boueiry discussed the mission of the Pastoral Committee which involves assisting sick community members as well as those in need and holding conferences on family matters in collaboration with social organizations. He stressed that needs are immense considering the difficult social and economic situation in Lebanon and called for urgent legislation to protect the weak and poor and help the needy on the civil and religious levels.
As for Minister Bou Assi, he reminded the audience that he has become member of the Lebanese social family to which he has adhered and that “Charity does not know its own depth until the hour of separation; yet there will be no separation as such is the life of commitment to social matters”. He added that humans are not equal in health, beauty, or environment, and this is fortunate as each has his/her own characteristics. “If we wish to create a social policy to become equal, we are bound to fail. Nor have we ever been equal financially. We can be equal in spirit, dignity, and freedom. It is our right to seek happiness and our role to preserve such equality”.
He went on, “Life could be tough sometimes and no one knows when misfortune strikes. Therefore, it is crucial for society to psychologically and socially embrace the dejected”. He also stressed that on World Day of the Poor all humans are against the tragic curse of poverty and fierce fighters of it. “Money may not bring happiness, but poverty definitely leads to misery, illness, prostitution, and child trafficking”. He also reminded that the Ministry is working on a back-up program for the least fortunate. So far the Ministry has succeeded in reducing the number of undeserving families subscribed to the program from 104.000 to 44.000 families deserving urgent healthcare and education services, in addition to a monetary subsidy to the first 10.000 families.
He added, “It is unbelievable how so little could help so much even when it is a dollar a day to every person in need. This money is not part of the government budget, so imagine what would happen to the Syrian refugees if such a subsidy were to cease? Do we give up on them or rely on a governmental budget? This is part of our social solidarity towards the poor as we cannot cleave the components of a society and there is strength in our unity. The government has to have an efficient role, and so have NGOs. Fortunately, Lebanese schools and universities are actively involved in social issues and are aware that our Lebanese society is in danger and the efforts of all are needed to save it”.
He concluded, “It is unity that characterizes developed societies not their natural wealth nor their powerful weapons, but their human values. I have hope that this country is in safe hands due to initiatives similar to those taken by NGOs. They reflect a pure spirit that can achieve much and preserve human dignity”.
Following the Minister’s word the guests went on touring the NGOs’ stands.
Social solidarity is enhanced by government efficiency and the contribution of institutions and organizations.
The Lebanese German University, in collaboration with the Pastoral Committee of Social Work at Jounieh Diocese, organized NGOs Fair 2018 on the occasion of World Day of the Poor under the patronage and in the presence of HE Deputy Pierre Bou Assi, Minister of Social Affairs; Monseigneur Louis Boueiry, representing Bishop Antoine Nabil Andary, Maronite Patriarchal Vicar of Jounieh; Mr. Roger Adaimi, Vice President of Jounieh Municipality as well as a host of academic and public figures.
Following the Lebanese national anthem, LGU President Professor Samir Mattar spoke about LGU social and humane activities and the objectives of the Fair.
In turn, Monseigneur Boueiry discussed the mission of the Pastoral Committee which involves assisting sick community members as well as those in need and holding conferences on family matters in collaboration with social organizations. He stressed that needs are immense considering the difficult social and economic situation in Lebanon and called for urgent legislation to protect the weak and poor and help the needy on the civil and religious levels.
As for Minister Bou Assi, he reminded the audience that he has become member of the Lebanese social family to which he has adhered and that “Charity does not know its own depth until the hour of separation; yet there will be no separation as such is the life of commitment to social matters”. He added that humans are not equal in health, beauty, or environment, and this is fortunate as each has his/her own characteristics. “If we wish to create a social policy to become equal, we are bound to fail. Nor have we ever been equal financially. We can be equal in spirit, dignity, and freedom. It is our right to seek happiness and our role to preserve such equality”.
He went on, “Life could be tough sometimes and no one knows when misfortune strikes. Therefore, it is crucial for society to psychologically and socially embrace the dejected”. He also stressed that on World Day of the Poor all humans are against the tragic curse of poverty and fierce fighters of it. “Money may not bring happiness, but poverty definitely leads to misery, illness, prostitution, and child trafficking”. He also reminded that the Ministry is working on a back-up program for the least fortunate. So far the Ministry has succeeded in reducing the number of undeserving families subscribed to the program from 104.000 to 44.000 families deserving urgent healthcare and education services, in addition to a monetary subsidy to the first 10.000 families.
He added, “It is unbelievable how so little could help so much even when it is a dollar a day to every person in need. This money is not part of the government budget, so imagine what would happen to the Syrian refugees if such a subsidy were to cease? Do we give up on them or rely on a governmental budget? This is part of our social solidarity towards the poor as we cannot cleave the components of a society and there is strength in our unity. The government has to have an efficient role, and so have NGOs. Fortunately, Lebanese schools and universities are actively involved in social issues and are aware that our Lebanese society is in danger and the efforts of all are needed to save it”.
He concluded, “It is unity that characterizes developed societies not their natural wealth nor their powerful weapons, but their human values. I have hope that this country is in safe hands due to initiatives similar to those taken by NGOs. They reflect a pure spirit that can achieve much and preserve human dignity”.
Following the Minister’s word the guests went on touring the NGOs’ stands.