Maronite Academy - Academy Class

The Maronite Academy 2019 Educational trip to Lebanon

More than 90 young Lebanese-descent Christians from 16 different countries around the world visited Lebanon in August 2019 to participate in the Maronite Academy, an endeavor undertaken by the Maronite Foundation.

Carried for the 7^th consecutive year, this initiative aims to bring the Lebanese diaspora’s youth closer to their roots and their country of origin.

After going through a series of comprehensive online courses tackling the history of Lebanon and the Maronite Heritage, the applicants (between the ages of 20 and 30, of Lebanese descent, living abroad) had to undergo a written Essay, based on research and on personal/family experience, assessing the reason why they would like to visit Lebanon with the Maronite Foundation, and if they were willing to contribute helping the Foundation by motivating the largest number of Lebanese living abroad among their communities, to recover their Lebanese citizenship.

Moreover, preference was given to those whose purposes, aspirations, and skills are most closely aligned with the mission of the Maronite Foundation in the World and the selection process was highly dependent upon the levels of engagement, motivation, and thinking skills of the participants.
Finally, the successful candidates came from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, USA and Venezuela to partake in the Academy’s class of 2019.

They had the chance to live an unforgettable experience; a free two-week trip to Lebanon from August 3 until August 18, 2019 all expenses fully covered by the Maronite Foundation.

The participants’ stay in Lebanon spanned over two weeks during which they attended daily lectures held at the USEK University by prominent panelists and visited various historical sites and landmarks.

Courses

Fairuz Legado de una Estrella

Legacy of a Star - Fairouz

Essay

La Cultura Libanesa - Spanish

The Lebanese Culture - English

La Iglesia Maronita - Spanish

The Maronite Church - English

Photos

The Maronite Academy 2019 Participants

Maria Fernanda Ocampo Jalil

| Argentina

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Oddly enough, sometimes dreams that we have not dreamt yet come true. This sums up my trip to Lebanon and the country where my great-grandparents were born, and that sadly saw them leave in search for new horizons towards Argentina. The Maronite Academy made it possible for me to live the most significant experience of my family history, giving me the missing pieces of the puzzle that I needed to put together. The spirituality of walking in the footsteps of Saint Charbel and Saint Rafka will be forever memorable. The taste of home in every meal, the hospitality of its people, shared with friends from all over the world who are now like brothers, was what made this experience unforgettable. Thanks to each and every person that made this trip possible. Thanks to Father Fadi and thanks to all the members of the Foundation for motivating us to grow and convey the main values of every Lebanese. Finally, thank you for making me live a dream that I did not dream of and one that I now I dream of every day.

Nader Jesus Kfoure

| Argentina

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I thank the Maronite Academy with all my heart for making one of my biggest dreams come true: getting to know Lebanon. This was not like any ordinary trip, rather it was one that I will never forget. Being in Lebanon,I felt that this little country belonged to me. I felt the connection with my roots at all times and in every magnificent place we visited. I learned a lot about various topics, from culture to history and religion. I also formed a strong bond with boys and girls from all over the world, and what brought us together was our great love and passion for Lebanon. The most exciting part of the trip was to find my Lebanese relatves at Ain el-Sofsaf, a village near Dhour el-Choueir). With them, I completed our family tree and shared really valuable time. This experience has expanded the knowledge I had of my origin, as I am the first member of my family to have gone back to Lebanon. I am committed to working hard to make the Maronite Foundation known in my country and to further spread the history about my beloved Lebanon.

Mauricio Medrano Sauma

| Bolivia

Raquel Rivera Safadi

| Bolivia

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This trip with the Maronite Academy was one of the best experiences of my life. I visited a wonderful country, full of incredible places, exceptional and courageous people and, above all, I discovered many things about myself, my origins, the country of my great-grandparents, my current family that is still there, their customs and religion and I reconnected with the beautiful land where my origins come from. It was a magical experience. Places, people, and customs showed me that "what is inherited, cannot be stolen." It was a path of discovery of who I am, where I come from, and the reasons for many things I couldn’t explain before. I felt the people of the academy as my own family. It was a revival of my childhood and the legacy that my great grandparents brought to Bolivia, but in another language and in its purest origins, in Lebanon. There are no words to describe all the happiness I feel having been able to live this experience, and to describe how joyful and grateful I am to everyone who made this possible. I return to Bolivia, but I leave my heart in Lebanon, totally in love with each of its corners and its people and hoping to return one day to live more unforgettable experiences and I am, more than ever, proud of my Lebanese roots.

Renee Sayegh

| Canada

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My experience in Lebanon on this trip was extraordinary and I have the Maronite Academy to thank for that! I was completely astonished by the generous hospitality of the amazing Abi-Nader and Kabshi families who hosted us in their beautiful homes and treated us like family. Similarly, thanks to Mr. Amal Abou-Zeid for hosting a fabulous dinner overlooking a panoramic view of his hometown Jezzine! I am also forever grateful for the remarkable speakers who took the time to meet with us and talk about so many great emerging topics. Last but never the least, the team leaders, the organizers and the Maronite Academy board members, you guys are beyond incredible!! Year after year, you allow this program to take place, giving the chance to so many to experience Lebanon in such a fulfilling way... a thank you is NOT enough. As a first generation Lebanese, born and raised in Canada, you have my word to never forget Lebanon and to come back year after year. I would like to give a special shoutout to all the participants this year who made this experience as great as it was. Maronite Academy 2019, you will forever be in my heart.

Shantall Alam

| Dominican Republic

Jorge Farah

| Ireland

Ana Helena Helue

| Mexico

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If I had to choose just one word to describe my experience with the Maronite Academy, it would be “exceptional.” Before going to Lebanon, I was sure I would find a country full of culture and full of wonders, because of all the amazing stories I have heard since I was younger. But the truth is, no words can explain what I found there. I found a country full of beautiful and kind people, people who are proud of their country. I found a country full of beautiful and unique places, full of delicious food, full of nature and full of history. I left part of my heart in Lebanon and I cannot wait to go back and make new memories and experiences. My time there couldn’t have been better. Now, I am even more proud of my roots than I was before. I can finally say I have been to Lebanon and I have fallen in love with the country. My mission now is to spread the word among the youth, so they too can have this life changing experience. I now have Lebanese friends all around the world that have a huge place in my heart. I have nothing else to say, but thank you from the bottom of my heart the Maronite Academy. Thank you Lebanon for showing me that I also have a home on the other side of the world. Shukran Libnan!

Analaura Glion

| Uruguay

Yianinna Abimorad

| Uruguay

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Getting to know Lebanon was an experience that I dreamt about a few years ago. Visiting the land I come from and feeling the energy of the famous sense of belonging was truly magical. Trying the local cuisine and the feeling of being Lebanese while walking through its streets s something I will never forget. Lebanon gave me unforgettable memories in my life and thanks to the Maronite Academy, I was able to love and meet people from other countries that made this experience memorable.

The Maronite Academy 2019 Educational trip to Lebanon

Courses

Photos

The Maronite Academy 2019 Participants

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