Frem from NDU: God’s talents in humans manifest through creating job opportunities

The NDU Career Center, Office of University Advancement at Notre Dame University – Louaize (NDU) organized the Net-WORK 2024 NDU Career Fair, with MP Neemat Frem, chairman of “Project Watan’s” Executive Board, as the distinguished guest.

The event, which promised to be a hub of opportunities for students and professionals alike, was held under the auspices and in the presence of NDU’s president, Father Bechara Khoury, with the participation of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michel El Hayek, and the Vice-President for University Advancement, Dr. Antoine Farhat, as well as academic staff, students, alumni, and a panel of presidents, managers, and employees from participating companies and institutions.

The event began with the Lebanese national anthem and a video presentation about the achievements of the Career Center, in addition to testimonials from NDU’s alumni.

Bou Hadir

The Director of Public Affaires and Protocol at NDU, journalist Majed Bou Hadir, welcomed the participants to the fair and praised, in his speech, all the efforts that were exerted to organize this annual fair, thanking all those who contributed to its success.

Bou Hadir described this fair as a new milestone in NDU’s journey to create a better future for the youth of Lebanon -- the land that exported alphabet and creativity -- as it attracts companies that are a vital backbone for the country.

He finally reassured that the legacy of the late Minister Georges Frem has been entrusted to Deputy Neemat Frem through “Project Watan,” which not only laid out structural plans for the nation but also established an economic vision and research projects. “This is considered a complement to the univiersities’ mission, in a clear equation  for building the Republic of Man, Freedom and Sovereignty, The actions of MP Neemat Frem are those of a president, even if he doesn’t have the title.”

Father Bechara Khoury

In turn, NDU’s president, Father Bechara Khoury, saw the statue of Georges Frem at the main gate of the university as evidence that he was a visionary man who annoyed the system. “As a university, we have decided to step into life -- and whoever has enemies evolves. Our university is an outcry in the face of those who do not want us to succeed,” he explained.

Father Khoury pointed out that the alumni of NDU, along with Minister Georges Frem, shared one goal: success. He then praised the fruitful efforts of the Career Center Director, Mrs. Karla Sfeir, in putting up this event. He also emphasized that NDU builds communities and individuals without getting involved in politics. “Even if we do not know where we are heading, let us be aware of our history that is full of vigor and ambition,” he said.

As for choosing MP Frem as the distinguished guest for this occasion, Father Khoury underscored that the latter “worked in politics without soiling his hands, came from a developmental background, and served as an example for individuals who earn their future with ambition and respect for human dignity.”

He concluded: “We are proud to go against the crisis. Political agendas no longer concern us now that politicians have lost their credibility. We don’t have time to waste; our country needs deeds and the creativity of our students is like yeast; they spread the virus of joy and success.”

Frem

As for the chairman of Project Watan’s Executive Board, Deputy Neemat Frem, he emphasized the importance of the successful event coinciding with a significant moment of the Holy Week. He stated: “I consider that creating job opportunities and realizing the potentials and talents of every person is a divine project that is needed. Any family, nation, or community that does not encourage the potentials of its children will be cursed. God has planted talents in humans and creating job opportunities is the most important performance.”

He added: “Blessed are your hands in the employment figures you have achieved. The greatest achievement is to prove yourselves as a gateway to employement to bridge the gap between education and job market. The resilience mentioned by the university president reflects our strength amid hardships. We don’t want speeches and empty words, but rather action from the roots, with sweat, hard work, and conviction. The world has become an interconnected global village and our successes are directly linked to the strength of our roots. Our aim is to build on a solid foundation and to create job opportunities within a political system that unleashes the potential of our youth and ensures social protection. Our future is made by our own hands.”

Regarding the revival of the Lebanese industry after the crisis, Frem explained that “the industrial family is growing and Lebanon does no longer rely on imports,” warning that “those attempting to regress our progress will not succeed.”

Frem reminded that the Lebanese Order “travels through its history, renews itself, and adapts.” He congratulated Father Khoury for his commitment to the message of the Order, “which is manifested today in its most beautiful form.”

He concluded: “The land has been scorched, and we have grown wheat anew. We will not allow a repetition of what happened. Our plan is more transparent and practical, with fewer promises and more results in the new phase.”

The speeches were followed by an interactive dialogue and a tour of the fair.