Latest news with #Qaddour
MTV Lebanon
19-03-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Salam meets with visitors
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed during a series of meetings he held at the Grand Serail, that his government "has begun working on a number of political, economic, and social dossiers," stressing that "the state's train must set out on more than one level or track, from the far north to the far south, including the capital, Beirut." Premier Salam received today at the Grand Serail a delegation from the Alawite community, led by the head of the Alawite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali Qaddour. On emerging, Sheikh Qaddour described the meeting as positive and important, during which the delegation emphasized national unity, which is 'the most powerful weapon in facing challenges and overcoming difficulties.' Sheikh Qaddour also indicated that the delegation presented to Premier Salam an array of righteous, longstanding demands related to the Alawite Islamic Council and the Alawite Islamic community. Sheikh Qaddour added that discussions also dwelt on the current events in Syria and their impact on Lebanon, in general. Separately, Premier Salam met with MP Nadim Gemayel, who said that the discussion focused on an array of national issues, especially the security situation, and the necessity of the army's deployment throughout the Lebanese territory. Discussions also reportedly touched on the upcoming municipal election issue. Additionally, the Prime Minister received at the rand Serail, the representative and director of the World Food Programme, Matthew Hollingworth. Salam also received former MP Jawad Boulos.
National News
19-03-2025
- Politics
- National News
PM Nawaf Salam discusses security and district affairs with Grand Serail's itinerant visitors, receives Alawite community head, broaches national issues with MP Nadim Gemayel
NNA - Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, affirmed during a series of meetings he held on Wednesday at the Grand Serail, that his government "has begun working on a number of political, economic, and social dossiers," stressing that "the state's train must set out on more than one level or track, from the far north to the far south, including the capital, Beirut." Premier Salam received today at the Grand Serail a delegation from the Alawite community, led by the head of the Alawite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali Qaddour. On emerging, Sheikh Qaddour described the meeting as positive and important, during which the delegation emphasized national unity, which is 'the most powerful weapon in facing challenges and overcoming difficulties.' Sheikh Qaddour also indicated that the delegation presented to Premier Salam an array of righteous, longstanding demands related to the Alawite Islamic Council and the Alawite Islamic community. Sheikh Qaddour added that discussions also dwelt on the current events in Syria and their impact on Lebanon, in general. Separately, Premier Salam met with MP Nadim Gemayel, who said that the discussion focused on an array of national issues, especially the security situation, and the necessity of the army's deployment throughout the Lebanese territory. Discussions also reportedly touched on the upcoming municipal election issue. Additionally, the Prime Minister received at the rand Serail, the representative and director of the World Food Programme, Matthew Hollingworth. Among Premier Salam's itinerant visitors for today had been a delegation from the "Bader" Association, headed by Hisham Tabbara, who congratulated the Premier on the government formation, The delegation also raised with the Premier an array of demands related to the city of Beirut. Salam also received former MP Jawad Boulos. =============== L.Y
Shafaq News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
EXCLUSIVE: Syria's education system set for major reform
Shafaq News/ Syria's education system requires urgent reform, but a structured, well-funded approach is essential, according to Mohammad Saed Qaddour, the Director of Education at the Syrian Ministry of Education. In an exclusive interview with Shafaq News, Qaddour emphasized the need to modernize educational content to keep pace with scientific, technological, and political developments while removing ideological influences from the curriculum. Curriculum Reform: A Long-Overdue Overhaul Qaddour underscored the necessity of updating school curricula at least once per decade to reflect scientific and technological progress. He acknowledged that Syria's current curriculum is deeply influenced by political ideology, stating, 'One of our priorities is to remove the glorification of the previous regime, which fostered dictatorship and personality cults. However, reforms must be meaningful, not arbitrary.' Qaddour outlined the complex process of education reform, which requires training workshops, expert consultations, and a phased implementation strategy over four years. He warned against rushed changes, emphasizing that hasty reforms could lead to inconsistencies and gaps in education quality. Private Education: Between Expansion and Monopoly Discussing private education, Qaddour highlighted stark contrasts between opposition-controlled and regime-held areas. 'In liberated areas, private schools have expanded rapidly, offering competitive services and lower tuition fees,' he said, though he noted that the oversaturation of schools has led to underfilled classrooms. Meanwhile, in regime-controlled zones, private education is monopolized by political elites and the wealthy. 'This monopoly has led to overcrowding and inflated tuition fees, making education a privilege rather than a right,' Qaddour explained. He called for strengthening public education to ensure accessibility and regulating private schools to prevent exploitation. 'Education must be a fundamental right, not a commercial enterprise,' he stressed. Tackling Illiteracy and School Dropouts On illiteracy and school dropouts, Qaddour announced plans for a partnership with the Ministry of Culture to launch literacy programs for adults who are unable to return to school. For younger dropouts, an accelerated learning system is under consideration. "By condensing academic years, students can quickly catch up with their peers and reintegrate into mainstream education," he explained. Hijab: Between Tradition and Misconception Addressing the controversy surrounding the hijab, Qaddour dismissed claims linking Islamic dress to extremism. "The fear surrounding the hijab stems from an illogical association with radicalism," he stated. He pointed out that modesty has historically been a universal symbol of purity, referencing religious depictions of the Virgin Mary. 'Modesty is not exclusive to Islam; it is a common principle across monotheistic religions,' he added. Criticizing past government policies, he condemned Rifaat al-Assad's forced removal of hijabs in Damascus, calling it an assault on personal freedoms. 'Our goal is to uphold freedom of choice, not impose restrictions,' he asserted.
