Ministry of Education and the Hariri Foundation Train 400 Teachers to Implement the IB PYP in 12 Public Schools
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development conclude a series of training workshops for 400 teachers from 12 public schools in preparation for implementing the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The workshops were conducted by 20 certified trainers from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
H.E. Mrs. Bahia Hariri, President of the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, addressed the participating teachers and trainers from the IBO in a plenary session attended by representatives from the MEHE, the Center for Educational Research and Development (CRDP Lebanon), and the IB Schools Association in Lebanon.
She told the participants, “From today, you will be ambassadors for the idea of educational transformation that will directly enhance students’ abilities. Therefore, we must be prepared with many answers to students’ inquiries, they are our wealth, they are Lebanon’s human capital.”
She added, “The Hariri Foundation began this dream with the International Baccalaureate Organization, and we see it being realized with your presence. No change comes without effort. We thank you for your efforts in this unique experience, and it remains your mission to spread this idea across all Lebanese territories. Our path together is long, and God willing, the desired educational transformation will be in your hands.”
Participating remotely from Jordan, Mrs. Mary Tadros, Director of Development and Recognition in the Arab Region for the IBO, remarked that “we are witnessing a special moment and a great dream coming true for the International Baccalaureate Organization and for Lebanon, a country known for its educated people and teachers who have influenced the world.” She continued, “This will be an educational experience for the Arab world, as Lebanon is the first Arab country to apply the International Baccalaureate in public education. I look forward to visiting you to follow this transformation, which Mrs. Bahia Hariri started. Thank you, and welcome to the International Baccalaureate Schools family.”
The training workshops were hosted by the International College (IC) in Beirut and organized in cooperation with the American Community School (ACS) in Beirut, the Collège Protestant Français (CPF Montanna), and Sagesse High School in Ain Saadeh (SHS).
About the Project
As an unprecedented step, on August 16, 2023, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), in collaboration with the the Hariri Foundation (HF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to introduce the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 12 public schools across various governorates. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving and promoting social justice in education by ensuring that Lebanese public-school students have equal opportunities to receive quality education. It highlights the shared vision of all involved parties in enhancing educational excellence and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
These schools are now candidates for the IB PYP and have been assigned consultants from the IBO to support them on their journey towards accreditation. These schools aim to become part of the IB Schools network, which provides a distinguished global educational environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking and promotes cultural exchange among students and teachers worldwide. This network also offers continuous learning opportunities and professional development for the staff, attracting talented students and teachers.
