At the kind invitation of Rachaya and Beyond, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) took part in the honorary ceremony organized to mark the conclusion of the 2025 volunteer year and to celebrate ten years of continuous community service and giving. The event reaffirmed the central role of volunteerism in supporting local development and in strengthening the values of initiative, solidarity, and social responsibility.
SPNL’s participation comes within the framework of its longstanding commitment to supporting local community initiatives and strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations and municipalities, particularly in rural areas. This approach reflects SPNL’s conviction that nature conservation is inseparable from empowering local communities and actively engaging them in sustainable development processes.
The ceremony brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including mayors from the Rashaya area, heads of municipal unions, environmental activists, and agricultural experts, as well as representatives and leaders of civil society organizations from across Lebanon. These included Lebanese Associations Forum, Helwe Ya Baladi, Progressive Scouts, and Development Indicators, in a scene that reflected the spirit of cooperation and complementarity among civil society actors.
The event was also attended by directors and representatives of several schools, including the Lebanese International School, Dahr Al Ahmar Public Intermediate School, and Kawkaba Public Intermediate School. Their participation comes within the context of ongoing partnerships with Rachaya and Beyond on environmental awareness programs, particularly activities related to waste sorting at source and composting projects. These initiatives aim to instill sound environmental practices among students and reinforce the role of schools as key actors in environmental protection and community engagement, a core pillar of SPNL’s awareness and education programs.
During the ceremony, Rachaya and Beyond presented an overview of its activities over the past year and highlighted its future vision and upcoming programs. The event also included the presentation of an appreciation shield to Youssef Khodaj, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to volunteer and community work. He shared his inspiring experience with attendees, emphasizing the transformative and lasting impact of volunteerism on individuals and communities alike.
The gathering further provided an opportunity to listen to the experiences of several volunteers, who shared their personal success stories and reflected on how volunteer work has positively influenced their personal and professional lives, as well as the broader local community, in an atmosphere marked by appreciation and constructive interaction.
The event concluded with a collective commemorative photo and congratulations to Ola Abu Barakeh on her election as President of Rachaya and Beyond for the coming two years. Participants wished her continued success and progress in her new role, while reaffirming SPNL’s commitment to sustaining constructive cooperation with Rachaya and Beyond and all local partners, in the service of environmental protection and the resilience of local communities across Lebanon.
