14/04/2025
A Pathway to Integrated Preventive Education!!
As part of a fruitful collaboration between the General Secretariat of Catholic Schools in Lebanon and the SHEIMAH Center for Training, Development, and Consultancy, an introductory seminar was held at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Ain Najm to present the “SHEIMAH” program.
The event was attended by Eli Sleiman, Ambassador of the International Organization for Economic Development (OIDE) to the Sultanate of Oman; Father Mansour Zeidan representing Maronite Bishop of Byblos, Michel Aoun; Sabine Saad Makari representing the National Commission for Lebanese Women; and Mr. Leon Kelzi, Director of the Training and Educational Coordination Center at the General Secretariat, representing Secretary-General Father Youssef Nasr. Also present were university and school directors, association leaders from across Lebanon, representatives of educational bodies, and a number of educators and specialists.
The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Leon Kelzi, who emphasized the importance of purposeful educational partnerships that place the human being at the heart of the learning process. He praised the methodology and timing of the SHEIMAH program, noting its preventive, proactive, and empowering approach.
Elham A. Sakr, Founder and Developer of the SHEIMAH Program and Director of the SHEIMAH Center, expressed her appreciation to the General Secretariat of Catholic Schools in Lebanon, represented by Secretary-General Father Youssef Nasr, for their generous support of the event. She then delivered a comprehensive presentation on the program’s objectives, scientific foundation, and implementation mechanism within school environments, highlighting the importance of integrating psychological and preventive dimensions into modern education.
The SHEIMAH expert team—comprising leading professionals in psychology and educational training—provided insightful interventions that showcased the program’s various components, including child psychological development, prevention of risky behaviors, and the role of the school environment in promoting students’ personal and social balance.
Guest of honor Dr. Fadi El Khoury, a cardiologist, delivered a scientific presentation underscoring the strong connection between mental and physical health. He emphasized that early mental and emotional care has a direct impact on heart health and overall physical well-being, commending the SHEIMAH program as a vital step in this direction.
In closing, Mrs. Sakr extended an open invitation to schools interested in joining this pioneering educational approach, affirming that “SHEIMAH” is more than just a training program—it is a comprehensive vision aimed at nurturing a generation that is more balanced, aware, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
She noted that this partnership with the General Secretariat marks the first step in a strategic path to expand the SHEIMAH program across educational institutions throughout Lebanon. This initiative is rooted in the deep belief that shaping personality, reinforcing mental health, and supporting holistic development not only enhances individual performance but also serves as a cornerstone for building the future of the nation.
It is worth noting that the seminar was distinguished by an engaging atmosphere and constructive input from attendees, reflecting the great interest in this unique program, which merges scientific methodology with practical application and offers a progressive model for psychological prevention and integrated educational development. The discussions continued informally over a reception buffet.
12/04/2025