In the framework of the Human Fraternity Initiative, the Religion & Security Council (RSC) held a new program aimed at promoting living together, peace-building, and engagement for the common good among an interreligious group of over 40 children from primary schools in Tripoli and North Lebanon (Bab al-Tabbaneh, Jabal Mohsen, Abou Samra, Zgharta).
The event took place on August 6 at the Al Azm Cultural Center-Beit El Fann in El Mina-Tripoli, and was co-organized with the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Lebanon and the Annas Linnas Association, in partnership with Mousawat Association, Caritas Lebanon Youth – Tripoli Sector, Alawite Islamic Charity Association (AICA), Al Jarrah Scouts North Commission.
After the introduction, the program started with a panel on “Interreligious Dialogue & Human Fraternity” featuring the Human Fraternity Ambassadors, a network of practitioners engaged in interfaith cooperation in Tripoli and North Lebanon, including RSC Fellow and Coordinator for North Lebanon, Amin Brair, and representatives from the partner organizations.
Following the dialogue session with the Human Fraternity Ambassadors, entertaining and game activities for the children were conducted by the Allawi Event Group. The program ended with the distribution of gift boxes to each child, and with the visit to a mosque and a church.
The Human Fraternity Initiative draws inspiration from the “Human Fraternity Document on World Peace and Living Together”, signed in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb.
“The protection of the fundamental rights of children to grow up in a family environment, to receive nutrition, education and support, are duties of the family and society. Such duties must be guaranteed and protected so that they are not overlooked or denied to any child in any part of the world. All those practices that violate the dignity and rights of children must be denounced” (Human Fraternity Document).
The Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Lebanon and the Annas Linnas Association are headed by Rev. Fr. Abdo Raad. The program was also joined by RSC Chairman Emiliano Stornelli.
Agenda
15:45 Arrival of Participants
16:00 Lebanese National Anthem
16:05 Introduction
16:15 Panel on “Interreligious Dialogue & Human Fraternity” by the Human Fraternity Ambassadors
16:45 Living Together: Games and Entertainment
17:45 Gifts Distribution
18:00 Visit to a mosque and a church
19:00 End of Program