Lebanon

On Saturday, the 14th of March 2009, at 5:00pm, friends of Mesrobiam school and its teachers along the school administrative staff were gathered in "Hovhanness Faradjian" Auditorium. The opening speech was addressed by the student Sandra Dakkash, who noted that Mesrobian High School, although 70 years old, is not only still young, but also performing smoothly and growing continuously to provide one of the most modern children education centers in Bourj Hammoud, for Armenians all over Lebanon.

Following that, the principal of mesrobian Gregoire Kaloust, addressed his speech to the audience. He thanked the President of DMS Onlus (Breshia - Italy), Prof. Angelo and Barbara Bosio, who have always shown their commitment to Mesrobian High School. Last year, the couple had promised Mesrobian High School to renovate the Mesrobian Kindergarten, and today, they are keeping their promise. The kindergarten today has around 200 students, and with the new Kindergarten, Mesrobian will be able to accept 350 students. Therefore, he concluded, “we are committed not only to provide place for those students, but also to provide the best and the most modern educational environment available”.

Following the principal's word, students Kevork Keshishian (flute) and Marine Halladjian (violin) performed "Armenian Mountains".

Prof. Angelo Bosio gave a speech as well. He noted that this has been the 5th year that the benevolent organization is helping Mesrobian High School in various projects. The kindergarten project existed three years ago, and now "Barbara and I are so happy, that we came to put the Foundation Stone of a very large project, that will serve only the children".

Mr. Vartan Hovsepian, playing on his guitar, performed "the City of Memories" and "Sail of Hope" by Armen Movsesian.

Following that, a DVD "Mesrobian New Kindergarten Ahead" prepared by Mr. Vartan Tashjian was shown.

After the documentary, His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX was invited to address the audience. He stressed on the fact that this project is an imperative project, regarding the technological advancement of the current days. It aims at providing the children with the most advanced methods of learning, in order to make them grow intellectually and spiritually. His Beatitude stressed upon the importance of modernizing all our educational institutions, in order to prepare the next generations the best possible ways.

The Founding Stone Ceremony was continued in the Kindergarten court. KG1 students presented a painting to Prof. Angelo and Barbara Bosio, as a gift to the students of Breshia, Italy. KG2 students came forward and greeted the honorable donors in Armenian and Italian, with flowers. KG3 students performed a song as an expression of gratitude.

In a special box, the official ceremony papers, the schools' 60 years and 65 years anniversary booklets, the Lebanese, Armenian and Italian flags, a baby dummy, coloring pencils, a notebook as well as the official ceremony papers from DMS Onlus were placed. This box was placed in a hole, made for this occasion. A ritual ceremony followed, after which, the audience was served a lovely reception.