Towards an Innovative Generation An Activity Launched at BAU Tripoli Campus

Beirut Arab University – Tripoli Branch – organized the launching of an activity entitled “Towards an Innovative Generation” in collaboration with the International Educational Association, by inaugurating The “Coder Maker Lab” at the University. The activity aimed at training the staff-members and students at all public and private high schools in the North, to enhance their innovative abilities, through the use of the Raspberry Pi Mini Computer to design and implement experiences that embody and clarify theories relevant to curricula in all domains.
The celebration was held under the auspices of Mr. Fadi Yarak, Director General of Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by Ms. Nahla Hamati, Head of the Educational Sector in the North, and was attended by Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of BAU, Prof. Khaled Baghdadi, BAU Vice-President for Tripoli Branch Affairs, Dr. Omar Houri, BAU Secretary General, Mr. Mohamad Hammoud, Deputy Secretary General for Tripoli Campus Affairs, the Deans of Faculties and the principals of public and private high schools in Tripoli and the North. 


After the Lebanese and the BAU Anthems were played, Ms. Nala Makouk, Head of the Public Relations Unit at Tripoli Branch spoke of the prominent role played by the University in the social, cultural and educational development. She pointed out that the program aims at helping the students and the youth in creating technology, rather than merely using it. This will be achieved through training in the use of certain software that enhances their entrepreneurship and innovation skills.
Ms. Nahla Hamati stated that it is hoped that the inauguration of the lab is a turning point that forms the basis for a serving the aspirations towards the progress and advancement of students in Tripoli in particular and in the North in general. The lab is expected to contribute in fostering and mainstreaming development to all areas in Lebanon. 
Prof. Amr El Adawi , President of BAU, pointed out that the University launched this activity in its firm belief in development and creativity and in its constant efforts to build a qualified generation capable of facing the challenges of life. The aim is to provide the youth with educational and scientific opportunities, and the implementation of these programs will help them to better understand some syllabi, which will contribute to the preparation of a generation that adopts analysis and logic and is updated as to the development and technology in the world. 

The aims of the activity were also reviewed by Dr. Shadi Nahra, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Communications at the Faculty of Engineering, by Dr. Bilal Youssef, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Communications at the Faculty of Engineering, and Dr. Abdallah Shakik, Assistant Professor of Computers at the Faculty of Science. 
Ms. Eliane Metni, Head of the International Education Association (IEA), praised the efforts exerted by the organizers of such activities, which are achieved through the cooperation between the IEA and the Ministry of Education, which she described as time-consuming. She also praised the University’s interest in its students reflected in the establishment of the programming lab and in the University’s determination to present models for their inventions.