The Patriotic Vision Organization (PVA) held two gatherings for mothers at the public library of Srifa under the title of “A child doesn’t work; a child learns”. The meetings were held as part of a project coordinated in cooperation with La Regie Libanaise de Tabacs et Tombacs (Regie), and the Municipality of Srifa to eradicate child labor.
The President of PVA Kassem Safa and the Chief of Srifa Municipality Dr. Wadih Najdi talked about the major headlines that protect the children from psychological, physical, and sexual violence as well as the different kinds of marginalization and discrimination. They also talked about the risks resulting from child labor, emphasizing that these risks have become prevailing in our difficult times as we see a lot of children not enrolled in any school.
Dr. Najdi considered that solutions for this reality may be reflected through increasing the awareness of the local community in order to decrease child labor and aim for better economic situations for the families in order to ensure that children do not leave schools and start working.
He also pointed out that the project of PVA implemented in coordination with Regie is one of the proposed solutions, and called on mothers to work harder in order to protect their children from the risks of leaving schools.
Consequently, a number of lecturers gave presentations on the risks of child labor, kinds of marginalization and discri selflessness, and your unparalleled bravery. You stood on the frontlines during Lebanon’s recent war. Your only weapon was your humanity, and your shield was your unwavering faith in your homeland, driven by a profound sense of compassion and generosity, expecting no recognition or reward in return."
Addressing the honorees, he said, "You were exceptional in those exceptional times, standing on the frontlines to serve humanity and preserve the dignity of both the living and the dead. You were true heroes facing the criminal machine of death with your flesh and living conscience, inspiring many of us and proving that humanity cannot be broken by oppression."
He added, "We witnessed your tireless efforts to ease the suffering of our people, extending a helping hand to those in need, supporting the wounded in hospitals, and honoring martyrs by ensuring their remains were treated with dignity. If not for you, then who else could this recognition be for?"
Seklaoui also expressed gratitude to the Regie team and wholesalers, whose humanitarian initiatives alleviated the suffering of hundreds of displaced families. "You have shown us that institutions are not just administrative structures but beating hearts driven by compassion, responsibility, and a sense of duty," he said.
Concluding his address, Seklaoui expressed once again his thanks to the “heroes of humanity, for being the fortress that shielded our nation in its darkest moments. Thank you for raising the banner of humanity high. Thank you for renewing our faith that a nation with heroes like you has nothing to fear."