United National College in Beirut
On November 23,
Armenian United National College was opened in Beirut.
Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I, Armenian Primate of Lebanon Bishop
Shahé Panossian, Minister of Education Elias Bou-Saab, Armenia
Ambassador to Lebanon Samvel Mkrtchian, representative of the central
committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun)
in Lebanon Deputy Hagop Bagratuni, Lebanese Minister of Energy and
Water Arthur Nazarian, former minister Leila Solh-Hamade, mayors of
Bourj Hammoud and Ayncar and many other guests attended the opening
ceremony.
Toward a bright future
According to Aztag, the ceremony started with a speech by Talin Havatyan-Martirosyan, the principal of the college. Martirosyan pointed out the importance of Armenian schools in preservation of Armenian identity and stated that the college will work in the same way: “United College will offer quality education for Lebanese Armenians, which will provide them all the skills needed in 21th century. Modern educational programs, renewed educational system, new teaching methods and professionalization of the teachers will be the foundation of this school. With the hope and efforts of us all, we are determined to proceed toward a bright future.”
We are with Armenians
Minister of Education Elias Bou-Saab mentioned the Armenian Genocide. Pointing out that the Armenians who survived the disasters of 1915 and came to Lebanon continued to live and produce despite all difficulties, Bou-Saad talked about Armenians' contribution to the establishment of Lebanon. “Lebanese Armenians are equal and just citizens of this country. We are with Lebanese Armenians. We are ready to support them in their right to education.”
On November 25, Aram I held a dinner on the occasion of his 20th year as the Catholicos and the foundation of the college. According to Aztag, 3,200,000 million dollars were raised for the college.
