Out into the streets the students went! Filling Beirut with chants from the ongoing uprising in Lebanon, students joined the protests hoping for a future that allows them to thrive in their home country. Most grew up with stories they’d heard from their parents’ experiences living through the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) or the more distant past of their grandparents which granted Lebanon its independence on November 22nd, 1943.
“…encouraged to be: more gracious when society is plagued with anger, more forgiving when there is reason to retaliate, more loving when the streets are filled with hatred.”
Practicing proper citizenship, students also participated in Lebanon’s first civil parade in remembrance of its 76th year of independence – it was an event that influenced the country beyond what government, religion and politics were able to do! Young minds are both working hard at staying focused on the sacrifices their family is making to keep them in school and curiously asking questions on the historical significance and context of current events.
However, the weight of severe economic depression, and the paralysis of major national institutions by sectarian leaders have been destabilizing the security and stability of the country. Last month, all Lebanese schools, including BBS, experienced many days of closure and weeks of needing to make critical decisions when it came to the safety of students and faculty.
The school’s leadership, parents, and staff have cycled through emotions that were triggered by memories of the war. Meanwhile, families have been experiencing the hardships of financial burdens that they previously didn’t worry about, and graduating seniors have, in many cases, started to fix their sights on an education abroad.
In the simplicity of being reminded to seek freedom in a Christ-dependent life, BBS learners were encouraged to grow to be more like Him: more gracious when society is plagued with anger, more forgiving when there is reason to retaliate, more loving when the streets are filled with hatred.
We ask that you continue to pray for BBS families as they navigate unprecedented difficulties and help guide their children beyond the economic and political challenges facing them.
MAY-LEE MELKI
Development Officer | LSESD