The Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC) organized a full educational awareness day across the West Bekaa zone, engaging students from three Hima-designated schools located in different villages: Sainte Famille Saghbine, Kherbet Qanafar Public School, and Kefraya Public School.
The day included two SNOW (School With No Walls) environmental sessions and one Sustainable Hunting & Anti-Poaching training delivered under SPNL’s conservation programs.
This initiative comes as part of HHIC’s continuous efforts to strengthen environmental awareness among youth in the Litani River basin and empower students to become active guardians of nature in their communities.
SNOW Program Sessions – A Journey Into Water and Nature
Two of the participating schools — Sainte Famille Saghbine and Kherbet Qanafar — took part in interactive SNOW Program sessions, SPNL’s unique education approach that transforms outdoor spaces into living classrooms.
This specific SNOW session focused on water, emphasizing:
- The importance of protecting water resources
- The impact of pollution on the Litani River and Qaraoun Lake
- How students can reduce water consumption in their daily habits
- The role of trees, nature, and responsible behavior in maintaining water quality
- The connection between the health of freshwater ecosystems and community wellbeing
Student Impressions
Students were highly engaged and shared their concerns about water pollution and scarcity. Many expressed that they now understand the direct link between their actions and the health of the Litani River basin.
A student from Saghbine said:
“We didn’t know that small habits can save water. Today we learned how important every drop is.”
A student from Kherbet Qanafar added:
“The SNOW session helped us understand why we must protect our lake and river.”
Sustainable Hunting & Anti-Poaching Training – Building the Next Generation of Responsible Hunters
At Kefraya Public School, HHIC delivered a specialized session focusing on sustainable hunting practices and anti-poaching awareness, led by the SPNL Anti-Poaching Unit.
Key Topics Covered
- The difference between legal and illegal hunting
- Protected species in the West Bekaa
- The environmental impact of unsustainable hunting
- How youth can report poaching
- The importance of wildlife conservation for healthy ecosystems
Student Reactions
Students showed great interest and curiosity about endangered birds and the consequences of illegal hunting. Many said they had seen hunting activities around their villages and now feel responsible to educate others.
A Growing Environmental Culture in the Litani River Basin
The educational day highlighted HHIC’s commitment to expanding environmental knowledge in the Litani River zone, especially among youth living in important Hima areas.
Through SNOW’s water-focused sessions and the Anti-Poaching Unit’s training, HHIC continues to build a stronger culture of responsibility, respect for nature, and community-led conservation.
The success of the day confirms the value of the Hima approach in education and the importance of cooperation between schools, municipalities, and SPNL to protect the natural heritage of West Bekaa
