The poster for Maestro Harout Fazlian’s new concert immediately strikes a chord. Angham Wa Aflam, a burst of colors and a graphic register instantly recognizable, promises an unforgettable 80-minute experience that blends timeless musical and visual offerings from the golden age. The Lebanese conductor assures that this is not a mere nostalgic trip, but a genuine opportunity to reconnect with the steadfast values of art and talent. From this enchanting performance, we draw vitality, cheerfulness, and above all, quality.
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At the Maestro’s note, the alphabet letter “A” of Ana-Aqra responds with an equally crucial and primal significance. Ana-Aqra, a beneficiary of all the proceeds from this concert, is a non-governmental organization founded in 1994 and dedicated to supporting Lebanese public schools, students and teachers.
The numerical impact of Ana-Aqra’s work, which you can discover by scanning the QR Code at the bottom of the page, holds the answer to the question of the Lebanese miracle that is posed as follows. How does Lebanon continues to create, innovate, and shine despite the hardships?
The answer surely lies in the commitment of good-hearted citizens, who tirelessly labor on the ground with unique creativity and adaptability.
This is Beirut had the opportunity to meet with the president of Ana-Aqra, Loubna Khalil, and its executive director, Lara Alameddine, to learn more about this remarkable organization’s work.
Loubna Khalil, you are the current president of Ana-Aqra. Could you share with us who Ana-Aqra is and how its mission and vision are articulated?
Ana Aqra is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political Lebanese association that works for the benefit of vulnerable children aged three to fourteen and attending Lebanese public schools. It also seeks to lend a helping hand to their parents, teachers, and school administrators. The NGO was founded in 1994 by Yildiz Diab, Amal Saeb, Thérèse Rayess, Saleh Farroukh and Nayla Nader, who were later joined by Rima Moussallem. They all believe in the transformative power of reading, especially for children. Rima would wander around Beirut’s cafes and invite little street beggars to a meal under the pretext of reading a story for them. She could observe the transformation unfolding right before her eyes – the opening of imagination, the establishment of communication and the liberation of speech. These children took sanctuary in such books, which is why it was imperative to extend access to reading to as many children as possible, and this is why Ana-Aqra saw the light.
The primary mission of this association was to set up libraries in public school classrooms to make books accessible. A multitude of activities were subsequently created around the joy of reading, including story-writing contests, exhibitions of children’s work in London and friendly elections of the best school principal or teacher.
Over the years, and nearly three decades later, Ana-Aqra’s mission has significantly expanded into a full-fledged educational program, providing indispensable financial, logistical, and pedagogical support to public schools, especially considering that the Lebanese state gradually disassociated itself from them due to the economic crisis.
Lara Alameddine, as the Executive Director of Ana-Aqra, could you shed light on the structure, vision and on-the-ground impact of the association?
Taking over from Mrs. Rima Moussallem was a real challenge. Along with a committee of truly exceptional, dynamic and dedicated individuals, she shaped this association into a diamond with limitless potential. Ana-Aqra’s mission extends beyond supporting a fragile system, as it aims to develop it in line with the global standards of UNICEF and UNESCO, thereby providing Lebanese children with access to all international educational advancements.
Today, Ana-Aqra operates from 20 centers spread across Lebanon and has a team of 120, including 80 permanent members and 40 contractors and volunteers. Its work extends to 478 public schools. Within these schools, we have implemented the four pillars of the UN’s “Life Skills” concept, which ensure the well-being of children through its four pillars: the “Learning to know,” “Learning to be,” “Learning to live” and “Learning to live together.” These pillars integrate social, emotional, interpersonal and cognitive skills.
Ana-Aqra’s expertise in this field has led it to develop and write educational textbooks and pedagogical guides, which are now adopted in eight Mediterranean countries, making Ana-Aqra a recognized authority in the field.
Twelve projects related to early childhood education are underway and incorporate all these pillars, providing access to international funding to ensure the sustainability of our work. Seven new projects are currently in the final stages of completion.
We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders so that our communities can thrive within and around public schools, guided by shared values of care, hope, respect, humility, resilience, agility, transparency and above all, equity in education.
Loubna Khalil, one final question. The Saadallah and Loubna Khalil Foundation sponsors Angham Wa Aflam. Why did you consider it worthwhile to finance a fundraising concert rather than make a direct donation to Ana-Aqra?
The Saadallah and Loubna Khalil Foundation is committed to patronage. By sponsoring this fundraising concert, the foundation amplifies the effects of a direct donation. This approach is relevant because not only does it create an opportunity for artists to showcase their talent but also provides employment to the various trades associated with the show. Moreover, by bringing in our finest artists, the concert enriches the cultural scene with quality offerings and provides a moment of joy and good cheer to our fellow citizens.
Lastly, it is an opportunity to bring visibility to Ana-Aqra’s work and call for broader solidarity through fundraising. For this, we extend our gratitude to This is Beirut.
You can support the association by purchasing your tickets from Antoine Ticketing. Angham Wa Aflam. June 27, 2023, at 8:30 pm. Casino du Liban. Salle des Ambassadeurs.
