On December 3rd, 2012, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik organized the celebration of the International Day for Persons with Special Needs, under the patronage and in the presence of The Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Reverend Father Abbot Tannous Nehme. This event, hosted by the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities and the Student Affairs Office, was attended by representatives of numerous humanitarian institutions from Lebanon, Italy, and Kuwait.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, Mrs. Hoda Nehme, inaugurated the ceremony, stressing the educational activities and strategies that enable physically challenged people to cope. She stated that it was important to provide a suitable environment for people with special needs, thereby helping to improve Society’s attitude towards them. In her speech she reminded her audience of the life struggle special needs people had, stating that “the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities is developing interdisciplinary Master’s programs, in cooperation with French, Italian and Belgian universities and institutes, aiming at raising professional instructors and specialists to higher educational, professional and medical levels”. She ended by stating that the Faculty was developing its program through a series of universal certificates, thus promoting a more ethical concept towards people with special needs.

In his speech the Director of the Student Affairs Office at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Rev. Fr. Boutros Eid, welcomed people with special needs, who had currently proved their courage and determination, He added that the University was always keen to promote global humanitarian values and called for its mission: “To be together despite of our differences.” He stated that the University had been cooperating with the NGO “Arcenciel” since 2010, adding that professors, employees and students had brought “The Wheel Caps Campaign” to a safe harbor, by offering a wheelchair for a handicapped person. He ended by asking the audience to watch a short video revealing this pioneer adventure between the Student Affairs Office and Arcenciel.

Mrs. Cesarina Olivan, Vice President of the New Frontier Association and spokeswoman of the Rome province in Italy, expressed her gratitude towards the University for organizing this great event. She added that the New Frontier Association would support the activities achieved in this concern. Finally, she hoped for the further sustainability of this important work and wished that the cooperation between Italy and Lebanon would continue, with both sides meeting in the future for their mutual interest.

Mr. Tommaso Liuzzi, President of the Euterpe Association, stated that Euterpe was committed to the field of social work through the use of music, culture, education and solidarity. He mentioned that studies had shown when and how music works on the human brain and behavior and how life quality can be improved by means of psycho-physiologic activity. He greeted The Cedre of Lebanon Association and recalled the co-signed agreement between Cedre of Lebanon and Euterpe, which aimed at developing teacher training to qualify teachers to provide music therapy classes for people with special needs in Lebanon.

Mr. Nicola Titta, Representative of the President of the Academic Higher Institute of Psycho-educational and Social Sciences, stated that it was important to professionally cooperate with people with special needs, and stressed the need to adopt new methods for dealing with different people, in order to achieve social justice. He added that it was necessary to work with them, in order to help them retain their dignity and to help them overcome obstacles.

The President of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, considered that such a day embodied the Church’s mission regarding human dignity, for it was a divine gift. He added that if we needed to give particular care to someone, it should be to those with special needs. He mentioned the great efforts of the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities and its Dean, Mrs. Hoda Nehme, for this event that met the ethical mission of the Lebanese Maronite Order and the Holy Spirit University, which was to help every person without any discrimination. Finally, Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz thanked the University and social organizations from Italy and Lebanon for creating a communication network with Educational Institutions and Lebanese Civil Services Institutions.

At the end of the inauguration ceremony, The Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Reverend Father Abbot Tannous Nehme, took the floor and stated that this International Day helped to introduce people with special needs into daily life; considering them as specially endowed people, not only for being human but for the call sent from God to them. He added that this day should help us discover the richness and talents of these people who suffer from social denial. He also stated that it was an opportunity to work upon facilitating the integration of these people into religious and civil life. He quoted John Paul II: “The quality of Society is measured by the respect shown towards weak people.” He ended his speech by greeting the audience, who comprised representatives of the aforesaid Associations and Organizations.

Paintings, testimonials, and interventions followed with the participation of Institutions such as Irap, Caritas Fghal, Anta Akhi, Friends in Needs, and others, and the ceremony ended with a concert given by Euterpe.