Mon, 20 Nov 2006

Waldorf teacher training courses resume in Lebanon

By Angela Patten

BEIRUT (NNA) – Despite the turmoil of the recent war (July-August 2006), Waldorf teacher training courses have begun again at the First Steps Together Association (FISTA) school in Beirut.

FISTA describes itself as a “secular, non-political, non-profit organisation (NGO) working to establish special programmes designed to prepare students with special needs to lead independent and rewarding lives”. Its mission is “to ensure that disabled children and adults in Lebanon are guaranteed their full rights in both education and employment.”

Fifteen teachers worked together in September to deepen their knowledge of art history, curriculum studies, handwork and children’s verses for the festivals. This was a timely course, teaching new artistic skills and developing an understanding of history through culture. The handwork session was devoted to making puppets, which brought much joy and satisfaction.

An international group of specialist teachers is being established with the aim of forming a support group of teachers for developing a Waldorf seminar to train FISTA teachers and staff.

A large new building complex – the Riverside School Project for Special Needs Children, Teenagers and Adults – is currently in the process of being built in a beautiful rural valley, 30 minutes from Beirut. It comprises a residential building, classrooms, theatre, shop, café and specialised facilities for vocational training. It will provide a home and school for up to 200 children, adults and staff from throughout the Middle East.

The FISTA organisation already has 11 established initiatives throughout the northern areas of Lebanon, including a biodynamic farm in the Bekaa Valley, a restaurant in Tripoli, a summer camp in the mountains and several adult vocational training programmes.

The students come from throughout the Middle East – Iraq, Iran and Kuwait – as FISTA provides social and educational opportunities for special needs which are unique to the whole region.

The founder, Dr Wali Merhej, runs a busy pædiatrics clinic in Beirut and is married to a former Lebanese government minister. She established FISTA in 1974 and has worked ceaselessly to foster its development.

Fundraising for the large new Riverside project is paramount now to ensure its completion in two to three years. It will provide a home for the development of anthroposophy and the Waldorf curriculum in the Middle East.

END/nna/cva

For further information contact Reem Mouawad or Dr Wali Merhej, email: fista@cyberia.net.lb, website: www.fista.org

Item: 061120-01EN Date: 20 November 2006

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