Under the auspices and in the presence of His Excellency Minister of Social Affairs Pierre Bou Assi, the Department of Community Service and Awareness (CSA), a subset of the Office of Student Affairs (SAO) at NDU, in collaboration with the NDU Human Rights Club, launched on May 5, 2017, in the Exhibition Hall, its “7th Annual NGO Fair 2017.”
In attendance were NDU President Fr. Walid Moussa, NDU vice-presidents, Faculty deans, and representatives of a number of NGOs and clubs. Lebanese singer and Zain al-Omar also attended the opening ceremony.
CSA Community Service Officer at NDU Majed Bou Hadir said, "NDU is built on values and it is through these values that it builds human beings to help in building a better society."
Hadir added, "The commitment of our students to volunteer is in harmony with the University’s academic curricula, which aims at offering community service in every category of specialization."
Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLPS) Chairperson at NDU Dr. Elie el-Hindy said, "The spirit of the Human Rights Club at NDU is dignity, and its motto is ‘never lose hope.”
For her part, Dean of Student Affairs at NDU Joyce Menassa welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of community service as an essential part of education, which “encourages our students to serve."
Al-Omar heartened students to continue as goodwill ambassadors. "Giving is the most important thing in life as is making an effort to serve others," he said.
Fr. Moussa expounded on the achievements of NDU students. “We are working toward building a nation that respects its citizens, and also we are working toward building the homeland of our dreams," he said.
H.E. Assi expressed his pride at meeting NDU students. He said, "Higher education is essential, but it is not everything; the most important thing is what’s in a man’s or woman’s heart. Don’t overthink about how and in what area we should help, because the needy are waiting for you, and helping others does not require knowledge but a good heart … We become true citizens the day we choose to volunteer; thus, contributing toward forming a better and more humane society.”
Both Assi and Al-Omar were then presented with a recognition award plaque.