News

In the presence of Mr. Mohammed Zeidan and his wife, along with Mr. Fayez Al-Bizri, President of the Makassed Islamic Charitable Association in Sidon, the **Mohammed Zeidan Academy for Development and Training** was inaugurated on Wednesday evening. The event was attended by prominent figures from the city’s religious, political, social, and educational sectors, as well as members of Makassed’s previous and current administrative councils.

This academy, which joins the schools of the **Makassed Association**, aims to train and empower teachers in Sidon, contributing to improving education standards not only within Makassed schools but also across Sidon and Lebanon.

### **The Inauguration Ceremony**
The **Makassed Islamic Charitable Association** in Sidon officially opened the **Mohammed Zeidan Academy for Development and Training** (located at Makassed High School – Waterfront) as part of an initiative by the **Mohammed Zeidan Association for Development**.

Attendees were welcomed by **President of the Makassed Association, Mr. Fayez Al-Bizri**, members of the administrative council, academy director **Ms. Randa Al-Darazi**, and **Dr. Hatem Badi**, President of the Mohammed Zeidan Association for Development, alongside members of the general assembly.

### **Academy’s Mission and Vision**
**Academy Director Ms. Randa Al-Darazi** described the new institution as a **beacon of educational progress**, emphasizing its goal of enhancing individuals’ skills and knowledge through **comprehensive training programs**. These programs will specialize in various fields, including **management, leadership, teaching methodologies, personal development, communication, and languages**.

The academy is set to **offer innovative training programs** led by professional trainers, ensuring a **stimulating and inspiring learning environment**. Its vision is to **become a leading institution for development and training in the region**.

Future initiatives will **focus on engaging the community**, particularly **residents of Old Sidon**, with **upcoming programs aimed at training youth and women** in essential life skills such as **language communication, computer literacy, personal hygiene, and environmental awareness**. The academy aspires to expand training into areas like **scientific research, human resources, language education, computer skills, health sciences, and legal studies**.

### **Speeches by Officials**
**Mr. Fayez Al-Bizri**, President of Makassed, expressed gratitude toward **Mr. Mohammed Zeidan**, calling him a **dedicated supporter of education in Sidon**. He emphasized that investing in teachers directly contributes to **student success**, community development, and **the nation’s prosperity**. He affirmed the academy’s mission to **prepare and develop professionals for educational excellence**.

**Mr. Mohammed Zeidan** reaffirmed his **commitment to Sidon’s heritage and community welfare**, emphasizing his **dedication to restoring Old Sidon and preserving its historical and architectural legacy**. He stated that the academy was established to **safeguard the cultural richness of Sidon’s waterfront** while fostering **educational and developmental opportunities** for the city’s residents.

He concluded by stressing the importance of **maintaining Sidon’s identity as a historical and economic hub**, ensuring **the city remains a center for knowledge, innovation, and progress**.

### **Closing and Future Prospects**
The ceremony concluded with a **reception and a tour of the academy**, marking the beginning of its journey as a **new cornerstone of educational development in Sidon**.