8 February 2017 – Within the framework of the “Singing for Peace” project, a project funded by the European Union and implemented by RMF in collaboration with the Italian ARCI association, RMF organized the closing ceremony for the project at the Education and Protection Services Centre that it runs in Bab El Tebbaneh, Tripoli.
The event was attended by the representative of the European Union Beindey Dagher, representatives of the Italian ARCI association, a number of mukhtars from Bab El Tebbaneh along with representatives from associations in Bab El Tebbaneh, dignitaries from the region and the children’s parents.
This project focused on improving understanding and dialogue among Italian, Syrian and Lebanese communities through culture promotion.
This project revolved around 5 primary activities:
1. Organizing 150 hours of choral chant courses for Syrian and Lebanese children 6-15 years old.
2. Organizing 150 hours of rap music courses for Syrian and Lebanese children 8-17 years old.
3. Organizing 150 hours of breakdance courses for Syrian and Lebanese children 8-17 years old.
4. Recording a video about the activity implementation in order to show it in 3 Italian schools.
5. Organizing a visit to Lebanon of 3 national level Italian artists during the courses, in order to provide 1-week workshops for the children and exchange their experience with Lebanese teachers.
The event started with the Lebanese national anthem and the anthem of the European Union. Mrs Hasna Mouawad Tanios, representing RMF, gave the 1st speech in which she said: “If the Rene Moawad Foundation is a symbol of unlimited giving, the European Union and the ARCI association are the main supporters and believers in our work.”
She added: “If we speak about childhood we speak about peace and joy, how then if we speak about the ‘Singing for Peace’ project? We meet today to conclude together a project financed by the European Union and implemented jointly by the ARCI association and RMF. This project has contributed in promoting the culture of peace among children of different nationalities by the creation of choruses and Rap and Breakdance groups.”
And she concluded by thanking all those who contributed to the success of the project and supported it.”
This was followed by a speech by Mrs. Khulood Ali director of the Education and Protection Services Centre, in which she said that the aim of the project was to change the negative image that people have of Bab El Tebbaneh due to the war fighting periods, and give a new positive image that shows that the Bab El Tebbaneh area is also a place where children have talents to express and a love of life and joy when given the opportunity.”
The ‘Assalti Frontali’ concert band, known in Italy for its Rap dance performances, participated in the event to show support for the children. The manager of the band, Luca Marcini, expressed his happiness to have come to Tripoli and Lebanon, and that he was given the opportunity to participate and cooperate with the region’s youth sharing the culture of peace, fun and love.
The event also included Breakdance performances, Rap songs and the viewing of a video clip of a Rap song by the students of the centre.
