On Tuesday April 30, 2013, the Language Centre of the Faculty of Letters at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized the DELF/DALF graduation ceremony, in the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of France to Lebanon, Mr. Patrice Paoli. The President of the University, Reverend Father Hady Mahfouz, the Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Letters, Reverend Father Karam Rizk, Vice-President for International Relations, Reverend Father Georges Hobeika, the Head of the French Language Center, Dr. Ranya Salameh, the Director of the French Institute of Lebanon, Mr. Aurelien Lechevallier, members of the University Council and Faculty members, all attended the event.

Following the Lebanese and French national anthems, the Head of the French Section of the Language Centre, Dr. Ranya Salameh welcomed the participants, stating: “We celebrate together the December 2012 promotion – the latest batch of student to be awarded DELF.” She further added that the language remedial courses were designed to meet educational changes and allow better adaptation to the training needs of the labor market. Dr. Ranya Salameh also stated that “In order to improve the quality of education, a DELF/DALF certification was implemented in 2005-2006, with the support of the French Institute of Lebanon.”

Rev. Fr. Karam Rizk spoke, stressing that “…Francophonie is a key factor in our culture and is a pillar of our institutions, education, law and administration." He addressed the students, "We must look towards the future. Your degree will open all horizons. "

Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz recalled “…the long journey of cooperation between the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik and France”, adding “USEK was the first University in Lebanon to join DELF as a condition of access to university courses.” In addition, he said that the French language is a priority for the University. He then congratulated the students and wished the continuity of future cooperation with France.

Finally, the Ambassador of France to Lebanon, His Excellency Mr. Patrice Paoli proclaimed that “The Embassy of France pays special attention to the proximity of youth in cooperation projects” and shed light on the work of the University, in order to strengthen and develop Francophonie. He noted that the University had established a partnership with the French Institute of Lebanon in 2005, as a part of a European initiative to promote language learning, professional integration and employability. He also said: “USEK is the first to adopt such a system in Lebanon. It is a pioneer in this respect.” He addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of language learning, which reinforced skills and promoted understanding of ‘the other’.

At the end of the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Paoli, Rev. Fr. Mahfouz, Rev. Fr. Rizk and Mr. Lechevallier distributed diplomas to students and teachers. Finally, Rev. Fr. Rizk and Mr. Lechevallier signed a cooperation agreement to promote the teaching of the French language.