An official delegation from the Hungary Helps Agency, headed by Director General Mr. Péter Kovács, visited Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) on July 29, 2023, in the presence of Mr. Zoltán Fodor, the Counsellor for Humanitarian and Development Affairs at the Embassy of Hungary in Lebanon, and Mr. Dávid Gál, the General Manager of Hungary Baptist Aid. The Hungary Helps Agency delegation also included Ms. Éva Czagány, Head of Secretariat, and Mr. Attila Bokor, Vice Director of Project Management Department.
NDU was represented by its President, Fr. Bechara Khoury, supported by Dr. Michel Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University Advancement, and Ms. Nesrine Sfeir, Director of Development & Alumni Affairs.
The visit took place in light of the pledged support to NDU’s IDEAL Program, designed in collaboration with the SKILD Center for students with learning difficulties who are unable to attend a regular undergraduate university program. The Hungary Helps Agency has previously supported NDU students via a named scholarship offered during the Academic Year 2021-2022.
Fr. Bechara Khoury welcomed the delegation and emphasized the shared values between the Hungary Helps Agency and NDU. He stated: “We are keen on maintaining NDU as a protected environment where students will continue to acquire internationally recognized quality education, despite everything the country is experiencing.” Fr. Khoury continued to say, “We are thankful for the Hungary Helps Agency Scholarship and are happy to see the support expand to the IDEAL Program via the Hungary Baptist Aid.”
In parallel, Mr. Péter Kovács highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining Lebanon’s stability for peace in Europe and the Middle East. He declared that the “Hungary Helps Agency is keen on strengthening the bonds with Lebanon through the support of education that directly impacts people’s lives.” Kovács also praised the natural growth NDU has experienced since its inception, especially during the Lebanese Civil War, and admired how the University evolved to meet the job market needs.
Mr. Nabil Costa, CEO and Founder of the SKILD Center, thanked NDU for being strategic partners and offering unique opportunities to students with special needs, especially in the absence of specialized centers sponsored by the government. Osta commented: “We are keen on collaborating together for a meaningful mission that will reflect a greater impact on the future of our exceptional students.”