On Tuesday April 30, 2013, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), represented by its President, Reverend Father Hady Mahfouz, renewed its cooperation agreement with the Municipality of Zouk Mikael, represented by its President, lawyer Nouhad Nawfal. Bishop Boulos Rouhana, Patriarchal Vicar of the Maronite Diocese of Sarba, members of the University Council, the municipal council and journalists attended the event.
This cooperation agreement is a unique partnership approach between the private and public sectors. It is based on the exchange of knowledge, experiences and available resources, stimulating the implementation of some projects; such as, the creation of trademarks, the renovation of some neighborhoods and the innovation in computer programs, which are considered the cornerstone of progress.
As for areas of cooperation, they include cultural collaboration through which USEK and the municipality play a historic role in the consolidation of national and regional culture. The collaboration takes place at the level of the organization of cultural activities in order to support culture and encourage the participation of young talents, experts and faculties in the implementation of work plans for the town of Zouk Mikael, and, more generally, in the region of Kesrouan. The collaboration also relates to the production of digital copies of old documents and archives of the Municipality of Zouk Mikael, by handing these copies to the USEK Library and continuing the cooperation agreement with the Faculty of Fine Arts to develop new works, which was initiated in 2010. These pioneering projects aimed at creating jobs for designers and artisans. By continuing these projects, the University remains the preserver cultural heritage. In addition, collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Commercial Sciences intends to prepare a study on the marketing of digital solutions for cultural institutions.
The Municipality of Zouk Mikael is a pioneer in sustainable infrastructure investment; the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik is the first private higher education institution in Mount Lebanon and it has partnerships with renowned countries of world. This cooperation aims to ensure a skilled workforce and an industrial and commercial know-how to provide expertise in the research and development of public administration.
During the signing ceremony, the President of the Municipality of Zouk Mikael and the Union of Municipalities of Kesrouan Ftouh, Mr. Nouhad Nawfal spoke, saying: “The city always seeks renewal”, then he praised the University and the perseverance of its President. He added: "The protocol has been designed and developed under the direction of Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz and combines the activities of the Municipality of Zouk Mikael with those of the Faculties of the University."
Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz stressed that the town of Zouk Mikael embodies the spirit of creativity and is a source of happiness to the Lebanese. He added: “It is true that person cannot hold in hand the whole world, but every human being is called upon to contribute to the success and development of their life and that of others.” Then, he praised the hard work of Mr. Nouhad Nawfal in the fields of culture, environment and education.
He concluded his speech by indicating that “these principles are the motives of the work of the University overcoming all difficulties in the service of human beings. Affiliated to the Lebanese Maronite Order, the University is interacting with all communities and is signing agreements to promote the development of societies and humans”. He also expressed his joy vis-à-vis the renewal of the agreement with the Municipality of Zouk Mikael.
At the end of the ceremony, the USEK President and the President of the municipality exchanged gifts as souvenirs, and a dinner was organized for this occasion.