DEARBORN — The Bint Jebail Cultural Center of Dearborn held its annual scholarship dinner April 24 with the focus on education and preserving Arab culture.

Students wait in line to receive scholarship awards valued at $500 each from the Bint Jebail Cultural Center on April 24.   PHOTO: Tariq Abdal Wahid/TAAN

A total of 60 students were each given one-time scholarships of $500 each for college as a reward for their academic achievements.
The mission for Bint Jebail is to provide the Arab community with cultural programs for everyone and also to enlighten non-Arabs on Arabic culture to foster mutual understanding and dialogue.

Bahir S. Tawk, the acting consul general of Lebanon from Detroit, spoke at the dinner, acknowledging the 15th anniversary of the club and wishing it future success in its ongoing efforts to build bridges in southeast Michigan.

“Tonight, I am going to focus on the importance of education in our lives and especially in these economic times,” he said.

Tawk told the crowd about his experiences studying during fighting and bombings amid the Lebanese Civil War but credited staying the course and using his education for allowing him to make it to where he is today.

He quoted the Irish philosopher and author Charles Handy in saying that “home is the first school for us all, a school with no fixed curriculum…no examinations, no teacher training,” meaning that the students who received the awards couldn’t have done so without a great upbringing and parenting.

Another speech was delivered by General Director of Emigrants Haitham Jomaa in honor of Mrs. Rabiha Eidi, a Lebanese political activist who created various associations, participated in international conferences, and secured donations for the economic recovery of Lebanon.

“We seize this opportunity to express our thanks and greetings to this great lady for the national role she held in lifting high the name of Lebanon and hoisting its flag in all parts of the world,” Jomaa said. “The national projects, social offerings and humanitarian services she endeavored to perform are a great proof of (her contributions to Lebanon and civilization in general).”

Tawk had a final message for students in the United States from overseas.

“I would like to address the award recipients and tell them, you are living in a great country that is the U.S.A., here you do not have to worry about war, this country provides all the basic essentials and more for students.

“Take advantage of those benefits and be successful in your college and university studies.”