Arabic Recitation Contest at BAU On Media and Freedom

Twenty-three students from 13 Lebanese universities gave their presentations on “Media and Freedom” as part of the recitation contest organized by the Public Relations Administration at Beirut Arab University for the eighth consecutive year, and under the patronage of HE Raymond Areiji, Minister of Culture.
The competition which was held on the 18th of March 2015, aimed at encouraging university students to pay greater attention to Arabic as a mother-language, in particular in the light of the challenges we are facing today. The competition attracted students from various universities, including Beirut Arab University, the Lebanese University, University Antonine, the Balamand University, Notre-Dame University Louaize, USEK, St. Joseph University, Jinan University, Université La Sagesse, the Islamic University, the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University and Haigazian University.

The event which was held under the Patronage of the Ministry of Culture, was attended by the Minister H.E. Mr. Raymond Ariji, May Khalil, President of Beirut Marathon Association, Mr. Maher Mshaiel representing Ambassador of Palestine H.E. Mr. Ashraf Dabour, Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of BAU, Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, BAU Vice-President for Medical Sciences, Mr. Issam Houri, BAU Secretary General, the deans of faculties, Deans of participating universities, staff-members, Ms. Zina Ariss, Director of Public Relations Administration, as well as the families of the competing students and other interested people.

The event opened with a documentary in which a number of Media Figures spoke about the freedom of media, followed by the commencement of the competing participants’ recitation on stage. The jury consisted of Mr. Rafic Shlalah, Mr. Bassam Barak and Ms. Lina Doughan. A large number of staff-members and students from various universities attended the event, to watch the competitors who, for two hours, presented their ideas and views on the freedom of the media.
The presentations focused on issues relevant to the freedom of speech, the importance of abiding by truth and freedom, as well as defending these as they are the sole means to create an advanced society that enjoys a texture of diverse ideas and opinions. 
After the students had finished, Prof. El Adawi reiterated the keenness of BAU on preserving Arabic as a mother-language, and the need for the youth to observe and preserve their language so as not to lose their identity. 
El Adawi also drew attention to the large number of students partaking in the contest, a number that has been growing year after year. He urged them to adopt Arabic in their written and spoken communication beside other foreign languages. 
Afterwards, the results were announced. The first prize, of 3000.- $, was won by Luna Saad, from Notre-Dame University; the second prize, of 2000.-$, was won by Mohamed Maho, from Jinan University; and the third prize, of 1000.- $, was shared by Jana Jamal from Balamand University and Maria Tanous from LAU. 

At the end of the event President Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi presented Shields of Appreciations for the Minister of Culture H.E. Mr. Raymond Areiji for his kind patronage and for the members of Jury. He also presented Certificates of Attendances and BAU Medals for all the participating students.