“This donation is like a cornerstone that will help us strengthen our institution and its mission,” said Prof. Salim Daccache s.j., Rector of Saint-Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), during a meeting at the Rectorate on September 1, 2021, to express his heartfelt gratitude to the FFA Private Bank, which decided to make a donation to USJ through its Chairman and CEO, Mr. Jean Riachi.

Ms. Cynthia Ghobril Andréa, Director of the USJ Foundation, reiterated the Rector’s gratitude and explained that the FFA’s contribution will allow the “Donate to Educate” campaign to continue educating future generations. Today, more than ever, given Lebanon’s serious economic, social, and health crisis, USJ appeals to its generous donors (alumni, friends, and partners) to ensure the annual budget to grant nearly 3000 scholarships to students in financial need.

According to Mr. Jean Riachi, the FFA believes that supporting education in Lebanon is a patriotic duty because the country’s future is linked to this sector, particularly at the level of higher education. “Local businesses that are able to survive this economic crisis and can support education through donations should do so,” stated Riachi.

“We decided to help eight universities in Lebanon, including USJ, and we hope to be able to do so every year. I’m also here to thank you, as a university, for your dedication to Lebanon’s survival and development,” Riachi concluded.

Prof. Salim Daccache believes that education, through the training of human resources, is the engine of growth. “We are proud of the tens of thousands of our graduates, men and women, who were educated at USJ and have excelled in Lebanon and around the world, he added. Currently, 45-50% of USJ students are funded by the University’s Department of Financial Aid. We need to nourish this hope by helping these young people through the USJ Foundation to continue to hope and strengthen our institutions. They are talents that deserve our help and in whom investing is a promise for a better future.”

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Read more : Don de la FFA Private Bank à l’USJ