Neemat Aoun speaking at the launch of the Alliance for Citizenship Education. Photo provided by the office of the First Lady.
BEIRUT — First Lady Neemat Aoun launched on Monday the Alliance for Citizenship Education at the presidential palace in Baabda as part of the rollout of the 'School of Citizenship' project.
The initiative aims to strengthen the practical integration of citizenship principles into school curricula. It brings together representatives from universities, public institutions, international organizations and specialized associations.
Organizers say the goal is to bridge the gap between the theoretical teaching of citizenship and its application in schools.
In her opening remarks, Aoun described citizenship as a collective responsibility. “It is not built by decree or imposed by decision, nor does it grow in isolation. It develops through relationships, takes root in trust and is strengthened through cooperation,” she said, calling for sustained daily commitment.
She praised the diversity of participating partners, describing it as a key asset. “A school is not just a place for learning; it is where citizenship is lived,” she said, addressing school administrators, teachers and students. “Nations are not built by speeches alone, but through concrete projects and collective work.”
The alliance includes a “skills marketplace” bringing together more than 22 partners, including UNICEF and UNESCO, as well as the American University of Beirut, Saint Joseph University, Lebanese American University and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, in addition to several NGOs.
Lina Qomati, the first lady’s adviser for special programs, said the project will involve 150 public and private schools nationwide this year. In cooperation with the Center for Educational Research and Development, organizers have developed a unified national training program for school principals and teachers.
The program includes a “citizenship indicator” designed to help schools assess their practices and measure the impact of reforms.
Qomati said training is only one part of a broader process that requires structured follow-up. She said the alliance currently includes 20 partners and aims to double that number next year, while expanding the number of participating schools from 150 to 300. “You are the fundamental pillar of this initiative,” she told participants.
Zeina Dib, director of the School of Citizenship project, outlined how the program will operate. Schools will submit requests through a digital platform based on their priority needs. Institutions with similar needs will be grouped by region and receive specialized training from alliance partners under memoranda of understanding that define responsibilities.
The project also provides logistical support, including coordination of training sessions, transportation, volunteer mobilization and field monitoring. Organizers say the aim is to translate classroom lessons into measurable and lasting changes within schools.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on implementation and the alliance’s future development, which organizers described as a long-term national effort to anchor citizenship in Lebanese school culture.
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