In 2022, the Order of Saint Gabriel is organizing its humanitarian action for the Christian children of the Middle East and all Lebanese children who have long been affected by ongoing political instability.
Carmel Saint-Joseph College (CCSJ) of Mechref
The Order of Saint Gabriel, in partnership with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and CPME, whom we thank for their invaluable support, has initially decided to send several containers of food and clothing valued at €20,000. The first shipments took place in May 2022.
A second, more structured phase is dedicated to electrifying the College with a photovoltaic system, with a budget of €80,000. A team of engineers visited the site to conduct a feasibility study. The ACI Group, an industrial consortium, contributes €5,000 to the development of the photovoltaic project for the College’s lighting system.
History and Mission
- In 1935, the French congregation of Carmel Saint Joseph, originating from the Mâcon region in France, was established in Lebanon.
- It founded the technical school of Carmel Saint Joseph in Beirut in 1936.
- In 1947, it moved to Verdun Street, creating an institution under the Lebanese Ministry of Education, offering all levels of education. From 1968, alongside Lebanese programs, Carmel Saint Joseph also implemented French curricula, preparing students for both the French and Lebanese Baccalaureates. Since 1997, CCSJ has been among the first schools fully accredited by France.
- Throughout Lebanon’s war years, CCSJ remained open, providing a full academic curriculum as well as a place of culture and community engagement, demonstrating cultural resilience.
- In 1995, after the Verdun Street lease expired, the CCSJ relocated to Mechref – Damour, at the crossroads of regions and religions, continuing its mission to educate responsible citizens of Lebanon, regardless of social, political, or religious affiliation.
- The educational project of CCSJ emphasizes responsible coexistence, social and religious diversity, hospitality, dialogue, autonomy, responsibility, and social engagement.
- The project also values Arabic language and culture while promoting universal knowledge and critical thinking through French language and culture.
- CCSJ provides a center of excellence for education, dialogue, and culture for the youth of its region and all Lebanese youth, aiming at intellectual, human, and civic development.
It is a place of fruitful dialogue between enlightened Islam and open Christianity.
A place of openness and dialogue dedicated to “Living Together.”
“THE FUTURE OF LEBANON DEPENDS ON MAINTAINING THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM”
About CCSJ College
CCSJ College includes:
- Three educational units: Kindergarten and primary school, middle school (2 classes per grade, 6th-3rd), and high school (2 classes per grade, 10th-12th).
- Over 700 students from diverse social and religious backgrounds: Christians, Shiites, Sunnis, and Druze.
- Languages taught: Arabic, French, and English; French is the main language of daily communication.
- Examinations prepared: Lebanese Brevet and Baccalaureate; French Baccalaureate, with an excellent success rate (100% pass with 90% honors).
Accredited by France: Teachers benefit from supervision and programs of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad).
High-quality academic and human education enables students to pursue higher education in Lebanon and worldwide, especially in French universities and higher education institutions.
It covers all operating costs, including salaries, through tuition fees paid by families.
Since October 2019, Lebanon has faced severe political, economic, and health crises:
- 90% devaluation of the Lebanese pound; bank funds frozen.
- Soaring prices for essentials: bread, flour, fuel…
- State electricity only 2 hours/day; the rest powered by a generator costing $1,000/week.
- Business closures and mass layoffs.
- Poverty rate reaches 70%; middle class also affected.
- Many parents cannot afford school fees for their children.
If you are moved by the plight of these children, you can help through a small act of solidarity. Donations are eligible for a 66% tax deduction. Please make your contribution via the “Donate” tab on the right of the page. We thank you sincerely.
MAKE A DONATION – on the right of the page
The slideshow below provides an overview and insight into CCSJ – Mechref. Each photo is labeled with its subject, covering 30 topics including Activities, Sports, Arts, Choir, Competitions, Campus facilities, Ceremonies, and Visits from notable figures.
