Amid the severe economic and living crises that Lebanon is going through, Caritas Lebanon Livelihood and Development Department, led by Mr. Joseph Abou Assi, concluded the first session of the community training project on agriculture. This came after a series of theoretical courses followed by practical applications in which about 40 women of different ages participated.
The meeting took place at the newly established Caritas Agricultural Center in the town of Harajel, on land made available for this project by Mr. George Nemr.
The meeting began with a divine mass led by Father Michel Abboud, president of Caritas Lebanon, in the presence of the executive director, Mr. Gilbert Zouein, regional heads Anton Saif and Gracia Attallah, alongside the families of the trainees and a number of local residents.
In his sermon, Father Abboud emphasized that agriculture is not merely agricultural work or food production, but an act of faith.
The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Harajel, Dr. Khalil Khalil, and the Mayor of Mayrouba, Mr. Elie Saade, along with local residents who expressed their support for the Caritas initiative. The participants were notably present with their families, reflecting the importance of involving women in rural development and strengthening their role in supporting community resilience.
A rural meal took place under a large walnut tree in the project’s courtyard. It was a spontaneous moment that carried a deep meaning: just as the earth rests when it is tilled, so too does a person find rest when sitting close to nature, retreating into themselves and restoring their inner peace. And just as Jesus taught us to sow the word in good soil to bear fruit, this project aimed to be the beginning of a new planting, where women would grow hope and nourish their families.
