On June 2, 2025, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) signed a protocol with six major schools, allowing their teachers to enroll in an M.A. in Education or a Teaching Diploma at NDU, whereby the teacher, the school, and NDU each commit to equally share the relevant tuition fees. Recognizing the economic challenges faced by Lebanon's education community and the importance of professional development, this initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens through a shared cost model between educators, schools, and the University.
The agreement was signed in the presence of NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury; Dr. Michel El Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Antoine Farhat, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Maria Bou Zeid, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and various other faculty and staff members at NDU; Msgr. Charbel Ghoussoub, Episcopal Vicar General of the Maronite Diocese of Antelias; Fr. Germanos Germanos, Antonine International School, Ajaltoun; Sr. Judith Haroun, Antonine Sisters School, Ghazir; Fr. Hanna Tayar, Collège Notre Dame de Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh; Fr. Moussa Helo, Fr. Marwan Mouawad, and Fr. Tony Ghazal, Jesus and Mary School, Rabweh; Fr. Antoine Assaf, Sagesse High School, Ain Saade; and Msgr. Chadi Bou Habib, Saint Joseph School, Cornet Chahwan, represented by Fr. Charbel Kharrat.
The protocol has been established with two goals in mind:
1. Encourage school educators and leaders to pursue advanced education through financial assistance; and
2. Promote collaboration between the University, schools, and educators to improve the quality of education.
Practically, the University will waive one-third of the course credit cost, the school employing the student will pay one-third, and the student will settle the remaining third. The signing schools will be responsible for encouraging and nominating qualified educators to benefit from this initiative while providing the necessary documentation and support. On the other hand, the student/teacher commits to utilizing the acquired skills and knowledge to serve the school community effectively.
Before signing the agreements, representatives from the participating schools shared their concerns, reflecting the realities they face on the ground, such as the urgency to adapt today’s teachings to AI, address Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for students, promote the inclusion of students with special needs, and ensure a high retention level for teachers, among other pressing challenges.
Fr. Khoury emphasized the importance of collaboration, adding: “This initiative aims at highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both students and schools,” and called for constructive criticism for NDU to constantly address the schools’ needs. Attendees then watched a testimonial video illustrating the efficiency of NDU’s master’s and diploma programs in the workplace across different age groups.
Despite the economic and social challenges faced by both teachers and rectors, this true partnership is a visionary step toward maintaining and elevating the schools’ academic level, giving teachers financial and professional support that will motivate them to invest their best and enlighten future generations.