Saint Joseph School
“Saint Joseph School” in Hoch el Omara – Zahlé is an academic institution offering kindergarten, primary, and intermediate education. It ensures the schooling of children from the Village of Friendship and the Home Follow-Up Program, as well as other children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the region, mostly from the Hoch el Omara neighborhood.
The school welcomes around 240 students each year across the three educational cycles. It is a member of the Association of Catholic Schools and participates in the coordination of private schools in Lebanon.
In collaboration with parents and teachers, the school strives to be a place where students are guided within a framework of education for choice, where they study, live, and learn how to participate in society.
The Technical Institute of the Foyer de l’Amitié
The Technical Institute of the Foyer de l’Amitié:
Since its foundation in 1985 in Hoch el Omara, and its relocation to Forzol in 1989, the Institute has trained thousands of students to date. Each year, it welcomes around 430 young people, mainly from the Bekaa region, the Village of Friendship, and the Home Follow-Up Program.
With a commitment to peace and justice, the Institute contributes to development and vocational training in various fields, including automotive electricity, automotive mechanics, agriculture, carpentry, building electricity, business informatics, radio and television repair, electronics, metal construction, special education, and early childhood education.
It offers preparation for the Professional Brevet (BP) over two years, the Technical Baccalaureate (BT) over three years, and the Higher Technical Diploma (TS) over three years. It also provides intensive training sessions for students who have faced academic difficulties and need to enter the workforce quickly. These sessions have also welcomed a number of former militia members in need of professional reintegration.
In addition, productive workshops in carpentry, metal construction, mechanical work, and automotive electricity—linked to the Technical School—have been established. For some students, these workshops serve as a stepping stone before entering the labor market, helping them to better prepare for their future professional responsibilities.