Karami and French Ambassador Sign €4 Million Grant Agreement

Minister of Education and Higher Education Reema Karami, President of the Educational Center for Research and Development (CRDP) Professor Hiam Issa, and the French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Durel signed the "Our Curriculum" project, dedicated to supporting the implementation of pre-university general education curriculum reform in Lebanon, through a grant of 4 million euros provided by France via the French Agency for Development (AFD). The signing took place during a ceremony held in the Ministry's theater hall, attended by the AFD representative in Lebanon Alice Bourne, Director General of Education Fadi Yarak, heads of relevant units at the Ministry, officials from the French Agency for Development, heads of offices at the Educational Center for Research and Development, and a group of educators from both public and private sectors.

Issa

After the Lebanese and French national anthems were played, the President of the Educational Center for Research and Development, Professor Hiam Issa, spoke: "I would first like to express my deep gratitude to France for its steadfast support and enduring commitment to implementing the new financing framework for curriculum reform, led by the French Agency for Development. I also wish to extend sincere thanks to Her Excellency Minister Dr. Reema Karami for her support of the CRDP's efforts in developing curricula, which I have the honor of leading, to achieve this historic curriculum reform. Your continuous support and constant interest in developing our institution and its impact are among the most important factors of our success. This distinguished partnership is built on the efforts of highly competent men and women, whose daily commitment strengthens the friendship between our two countries. Therefore, I would like to thank the French Agency for Development (AFD) and its successive teams. The overall direction guiding us is clear: it is the shift from a purely quantitative approach to school access to an absolute commitment to quality. The stakes are high, so priority is given to equity and inclusion to nurture free citizens who possess critical thinking skills and are capable of addressing identity-based divisions and building the future of our country."

She added: "This new financing framework comes at the right time. It will enable us to strengthen the capacity of the Educational Center for Research and Development (CRDP) to work, innovate, and govern. Our ambition is to prioritize experiential programs that focus entirely on innovation and adaptation to reality in Lebanon. In close cooperation with our French and international partners, we provide Lebanese youth with the tools necessary for a better future. This commitment is embodied in education based on a pedagogical methodology rooted in reflection, analysis, and creativity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or socio-economic status, receives high-quality training. By fully integrating digital transformation, media literacy, and environmental and climate awareness, we strengthen community and social cohesion within our classrooms. Because the school is the first line of defense against division and the cradle of our shared future, let us build it together."

French Ambassador

The French Ambassador to Lebanon, Patrick Durel, affirmed "the importance of placing the quality of education at the heart of educational reform," saying: "The curriculum project embodies a fundamental ambition and reminds us that the challenge of education is not limited to mere access to school; rather, the quality of education, learning, and acquired skills must be the focus of our attention."

Karami

Karami said: "The signing of this agreement between the Educational Center for Research and Development and the French Agency for Development is an important step, as it confirms the strength of the partnership supporting Lebanon during these difficult times. But above all, it shows that this partnership has chosen to invest with us in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and in Lebanon's future. I would like to express sincere thanks to the French state, the French Agency for Development, and all parties that contributed to the success of this agreement."

She affirmed that "this financial and technical support is invaluable. However, it represents more than just material support; it is also a sign of trust. Trust in our institutions," considering that "trust in our ability to lead ambitious reform. And trust in education as a fundamental pillar for rebuilding our nation."

Karami added: "Why is this curriculum reform so important today? Because curriculum reform is not limited to changing programs alone; it goes beyond that to change the experience of each of our students in terms of what they learn, how they learn, and above all, what they become capable of understanding, doing, and building. The world is changing rapidly and radically. Our schools must prepare our children to adapt to this change, and even more so. We must empower them to find their place in it. To think. To choose. To act. And to contribute."

She clarified that "our programs contributed to building generations of Lebanese in the past, and we are proud of them. But nearly thirty years have passed."

Karami noted that "this year, despite crises and disturbances, we strove hard to stay on the right path. By protecting the continuity of education today. At the same time, laying the foundations for a better educational system tomorrow," pointing out that "curriculum reform aligns perfectly with this approach. It is based on a conviction dear to my heart: Education is not only what we must protect during crises, but it is what enables us to emerge from them differently. Therefore, reforming our curricula today is a choice for the future. It is protecting the right to learn in the present. It also prepares the schools that Lebanon will need tomorrow. Based on this principle, I once again thank France and the French Agency for Development."