This month marks the launching of this SRI/INMA website, where you can learn about our two organizations in Lebanon, and access the many reports and studies undertaken in the past four years by SRI International in Lebanon, many of them done in collaboration with the Social and Cultural Development Association (INMA) and its parent organization, Information International. The website provides links to USAID, partner NGO’s, and our sub-contracting organizations. The SRI-News page will be updated twice per quarter with news and events of SRI in Lebanon.
Beginning September 17, SRI began a series of one-day skill-building training sessions for people working in restaurants and hotels in the Bekaa Valley. The first was held in Hermel, followed on the 18th in Baalbeck, and Zahle the 23rd of September. Being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the participants are being exposed to materials developed by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), to assist hotel and restaurant staff meet international standards of service such as basic kitchen operations, front desk management, and room cleaning and maintenance.
Following research conducted in early 2003 identifying a significant level of interest in Lebanese olive oil in the European and North American markets, since April SRI has been working with a 14 different olive oil grower/producer groups throughout Lebanon to market extra virgin Lebanese olive oil in high-end, niche markets. Sample shipments are being sent to distributors to carry out test marketing, and several leads from potential buyers are actively being pursued.
SRI in Lebanon hosted a certificate ceremony where certificates to 51 Lebanese were presented to those who participated in hospitality training workshops and passed rigorous examinations given by the American Hotel and Lodging Association during the past summer. The certificates were handed out by the Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Dr. Ali Hussein Abdallah, and the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, His Excellency Mr. Vincent Battle.
Opening of Two Internet PiPOP Centers in Moukhtara and Tannourine
Two new internet point of presence centers were completed and made fully operational by the Professional Computer Association in July and August, and officially opened to the citizens of Moukhtara and Tannourine. Termed ‘PiPOP Centers’ centers, these facilities are low-cost internet cafes located in rural areas that encourage use by people who otherwise might not access computers. SRI has co-sponsored and financed the installation of six PiPOP centers in rural Lebanon in 2003.
Training for Olive Oil Growers and Producers
As part of its support to a national olive oil export marketing venture, SRI contracted two technical experts from the Italian NGO Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria to conduct in September a series of seven one-day workshops for olive oil growers and bottlers from throughout Lebanon. Held in Koura, Hasbaya, and the Chouf, these sessions provided practical information on pesticide use, harvesting methodologies, use and maintenance of the oil presses, and optimal storing procedures. Over 175 people attended these highly successful and interactive sessions.
Lebanon ‘Promenade’ Brochures with INMA
With the support of its local partner the Social and Cultural Development Association – INMA – four informative, bi-lingual ‘Promenade’ brochures were produced in association with the 2003 summer festivals in Tyre, Beit Edinne, Byblos, and Baalbeck. The brochures provided historical information, tourist maps, discount coupons for local restaurants and lodging facilities for each of the four Festival Regions. Over 40,000 copies of these printed and distributed throughout the country, and plans to expand the range and number in 2004 are already underway.
PCA Sponsorship of Termium Exposition
SRI’s partner in the information, communications, and technology sector, The Professional Computer Association, was a key organizer and sponsor of the Termium Exposition, a leading Regional Information Technology trade show, held at the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center (BIEL) September 16-21.
