Karami: Defending the Teacher is Defending Lebanon's Future

The Lebanese Teachers' Union honored its president Naima Mhafouz during a ceremony held at the Central School - Junieh, where Minister of Education and Higher Education Reima Karami conferred upon him the "First-Class Teacher Medal" in recognition of his long-standing career in education, union work, and advocacy for teachers' rights, in the presence of political, educational, union, and religious figures.

Initially, General Secretary of the Union Dr. Osama Arnaout spoke on behalf of the Executive Council, affirming that "awarding Mhafouz the Teacher Medal is an acknowledgment of a rich educational and union legacy, and a recognition of his role in serving teachers, defending their rights, enhancing the union’s standing, and strengthening private education in Lebanon." He thanked Minister Karami for "bestowing the well-deserved medal upon a man who made teachers' issues a priority and whose voice was heard at every critical juncture," noting that "the renewed trust in Mhafouz, now leading the Executive Council for the fourth time, stems from his constant presence among teachers, his authenticity in representing them, and his wisdom in managing union affairs through dialogue and cooperation." He highlighted "the union’s strengthened presence and establishment of branches across most Lebanese regions, including the latest in North Lebanon and Mount Lebanon," and acknowledged Mhafouz’s role in the Union Coordination Body and in defending social and professional rights of teachers. He concluded by stating that "the most important award remains the trust, affection, and loyalty of fellow teachers toward him."

Then, Father Joseph Nassar, General Secretary of Catholic Schools and General Coordinator of the Private Educational Institutions Union, delivered a speech reflecting on his relationship with Mhafouz, emphasizing that "it did not begin as an easy or conventional bond, but gradually evolved from caution and distance to trust and collaboration, driven by shared responsibilities and major challenges facing the education sector." He said: "The harsh conditions Lebanon has endured since 2019—economic collapse, security crises, and social upheaval—forced private educational institutions and the Teachers’ Union to come closer together, consult each other, and jointly assume national and educational responsibility in ensuring education for hundreds of thousands of students."

He noted that "the path was not always smooth, and the union and the Private Educational Institutions Union occasionally differed on methods, yet remained united on core objectives, foremost among them protecting the school, safeguarding teacher dignity, guaranteeing students’ right to quality education, and preserving stability in the education sector." He pointed out that "the relationship with the union under Mhafouz’s leadership stood out for ethical disagreement, refined discourse, and the ability to negotiate without losing sight of shared goals," stressing that "a strong, independent, and responsible union is not an obstacle, but one of the essential pillars of a healthy and evolving education system."

He emphasized "the partnership between the union and educational institutions in addressing crises, formulating proposals, and shaping legislation aimed at protecting teachers’ rights and funds, and ensuring institutional continuity," affirming that "Mhafouz was present in negotiations, mobilizations, objections, and dialogue, capable of accepting setbacks while continuing the struggle without abandoning his convictions." He observed that "Mhafouz’s extensive experience in education, union work, and public affairs taught him that protecting education is a shared responsibility, and real change begins with people."

He concluded by affirming that "those entrusted with education are partners in safeguarding the school, teacher dignity, and student rights, and the student’s interest must remain the compass uniting all components of the educational family."

Meanwhile, Dr. Hassan Jawad, President of the Association of Primary School Teachers and Representative of Public Education, delivered a speech linking official education, praising Mhafouz’s career and "his consistent presence in defending teachers and the profession’s dignity." He stated: "For Mhafouz, union work was never merely a position or duty—it was a cause, a mission, and a commitment." He noted that "he was present at protest sites, meetings, and negotiations, wherever the voice of teachers needed to be heard."

He stressed that "this honor does not apply only to Mhafouz, but extends to all teachers who stood firm under the toughest conditions, and to all unionists who believed that rights require defenders, and that dignity cannot be compromised." He emphasized that "defending the teacher goes beyond demanding a salary—it is about defending the school, the student, and Lebanon’s future," wishing Mhafouz "continued health, well-being, and ongoing commitment to the causes of education and teaching."

Then, Jamal Adib Al-Husami, President of the Arab Organization for Education, spoke, thanking Minister Karami for "bestowing the Teacher Medal upon Mhafouz," describing it as "an official recognition of his career and contributions in the fields of education and union work." He reflected on "his long-standing relationship with Mhafouz," characterizing him as "a humble, loyal individual, with sincere positions, bold words, and balanced union vision." He said: "He never refused a request, nor hesitated to defend a teacher’s right; he remained a loud voice against injustice, carrying the trust of teachers, their funds, and the nation without wavering or retreat."

He praised "Mhafouz’s contributions to education, the Teachers’ Union, the Union Coordination Body, and the defense of retired workers in the private sector, as well as his engagement in national and Arab issues," highlighting "Mhafouz’s initiative to establish the Arab Organization for Education, and his steadfast support and backing over ten years," affirming that "his work will remain a prominent landmark in its history." He said: "Naima Mhafouz does not imitate—he renews; he does not see things superficially, but with deep, insightful union vision that understands wisdom and intelligence."

As for Karami, she reviewed Mhafouz’s educational, union, and public career, from his beginnings in Rachba - Akkar, through his work in education and progressive union roles, culminating in his presidency of the Teachers’ Union and participation in the Union Coordination Body and public affairs. She affirmed that "honoring Mhafouz is not just about him personally, but a tribute to the Lebanese teacher, the union activist, and the responsible citizen who refused to stand on the sidelines of public life, choosing instead to be present where he felt a duty."

She said: "Mhafouz has spent over 43 years in education, and the true teacher does not limit himself to transmitting knowledge, but helps students discover their potential and empowers them with confidence to shape their futures." She noted that "his former students, who have spread across various fields of life over more than four decades, represent the most beautiful legacy of a teacher’s journey."

She stressed that "defending the teacher is not a sectarian demand, but a defense of Lebanon’s future, because a state that fails to protect its teachers cannot expect them to build its generations." She added: "Teacher dignity is not limited to salary and material rights, but includes recognition of their professional status, opportunities for growth and renewal, and being treated as partners in improving schools and shaping education."

She believes that "reforming education is the gateway to reforming the state, and what is needed is building a state of citizens, law, institutions, and equal opportunity." She emphasized that "the Teacher Medal does not honor service years alone, but the impact Mhafouz left on his students, colleagues, and public life, and the example he set that serving people can be a profession, dignity, and mission."

In turn, Mhafouz spoke, thanking President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, Minister Karami, the Executive Council, attendees, and speakers. He stated that "the medal is a tribute to every teacher and educator, and to every fighter who defended the dignity of the profession and the rights of its members." He addressed the issue of retired teachers, urging them to "carry their cause until their last breath," firmly asserting that "it is unacceptable for a retired teacher, after years of hard work and service to generations, to receive a salary barely exceeding $200—a mere fraction of what they deserve."

He stressed that "fair treatment of retirees is both an ethical and national duty," and affirmed that the union will continue its actions, communications, and demands to correct their situation and secure a pension that preserves their dignity and ensures a decent standard of living."

At the end of the ceremony, Minister Karami conferred upon President Mhafouz the "First-Class Teacher Medal," while Muhammad Mlham, President of the Association of Retired Teachers, presented him with a commemorative plaque as a token of gratitude and appreciation for his stance and efforts in defending teachers’ rights, especially those of retired educators, in a moment reflecting the deep appreciation of the educational and union families for his decades-long journey in education and union work."