Minister of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) of the Lebanese caretaker cabinet, Abbas EL-Halabi graciously accepted an invitation extended by Dr. Toni Issa, President of the Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development (MIF), to tour IPT and MIF headquarters in Amchit. During his visit, Minister Halabi also toured several schools in Amchit and Jbeil, accompanied by a delegation of distinguished education officials and advisors, including Imad Al-Ashqar, Director General of Education at MEHE.
At the headquarters, Minister Halabi was warmly welcomed by Michel Issa, Honorary Chairman of Issa Group (IG), Dr. Issa, MIF’s president, and IPT Group Holding Chairman Zakhia Issa. Also in attendance were former Bar Association president Nader Gaspard, Amchit Head of Municipality Dr. Antoine Issa, and senior executives from IG and IPT.
Dr. Issa emphasized the visit's educational and developmental significance amid Lebanon's current challenges. He praised Minister Halabi's pivotal leadership in Lebanon's educational landscape during sensitive times. Dr. Issa highlighted IPT's pioneering role in sustainability and responsible business practices and MIF’s efforts in local development, particularly in educational initiatives since its establishment in 2012. Then, the Director of MIF, Corine Fadous, detailed ongoing local development projects, prompting Minister Halabi to commend the Foundation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. He emphasized the significance of preserving Amchit’s cultural heritage and urged greater support for secondary and public schools. During the visit, Minister Halabi was honored with a trophy by the Foundation in recognition of his contributions.
Following the headquarters visit, Minister Halabi proceeded to Amchit's Public Secondary School, where urgent renovation needs were discussed. The delegation also visited Rosary Sisters School, where MIF is currently involved in a project.
The tour continued in Jbeil and Amchit, where Minister Halabi visited Deputy Ziad Hawat's residence in the presence of Jbeil Head of Municipality Wissam Zaarour and several school directors. Deputy Hawat advocated for establishing a branch of the Lebanese University in Jbeil to enhance educational accessibility. The delegation then visited Jbeil's Public School, emphasizing the importance of educational equity. They also met with Sheikh Ghassan Al-Lakkis, the Sheikh at Jbeil Mosque, highlighting the community’s dedication to education. The delegation also visited the Maronite Diocese of Amchit, where they were received by Bishop Aoun. Halabi praised Bishop Aoun's role in preserving coexistence in Jbeil and announced plans for renovations at five schools in the Jbeil district in August.
The day concluded with a lunch hosted by Dr. Issa, emphasizing support for public education and community welfare, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities amidst Lebanon’s challenges.