A new class, for the 1st year of the High School Program

The Highschool Education for the Deaf  (HSED) is unique in Lebanon, since presently there is no program for further education beyond the Brevet studies (Junior High School), towards Baccalaureate level (Senior High School)—from Grade 10 to 12 – for the Deaf in Lebanon.  Before the initiation of this program (2003), many young deaf adults who have obtained their Brevet diplomas wished to continue their further academic education, were not able to pursue thier higher education.  With this program, they can fulfill they dream since the High School has opened its doors for students from different schools for the Deaf.  This will enable the young deaf people to be able to go to University in their own country.

As testimony, in July 2006, for the first time in the history of Lebanon, eight deaf students have presented their official Governmental Baccalaureate Examination, and as a result, fortunately, they all have passed. Now these students are enrolled at their universities in Lebanon, and one of them is currently studying in England, majoring in computer Literature. The rest of these students are studying Medical Laboratory, Computer Graphic Design, Animation, TV Production, Physical Education, etc., and are all doing remarkably well.

Graduation Class 2006

During June 2009, the second group of the high school students, compromised of 3 deaf students, performed for the official governmental examinations.  The result was that the 2 students passed the exams, and the third one has to make a second chance which was taking place in August.  He had a problem with some specific subject matters.  He did the second examination, and as a result, he passed with distinction.   During September 2009, these students enrolled at different universities.   One student, Bilal decided to major in Interior Design.  Chefic majored in Communication.  Both Bilal and Chefic study at the same university in Beirut (AUST).  Zeinab in now enrolled at the Lebanese University, and is taking general courses.  She has not yet determined what to major for her study career, as she is looking for the possibilities.

It was such a fine experience to observe these students passing their official exams, and now enrolled at the universities of their choice.  We did some follow up and found that they are doing remarkably well, despite of their hearing handicaps, thanks to the kind support and attentions made by the professors and administrators of each university.  At first, they had some difficulties, but with time, they manage to follow and catch up the courses.  We wish them all the best.

Graduating Class of 2009, Bilal, Zeinab and Chefic

With respect to the previous group (the class of 2006), one student has just finished his education at the NDU university with BA in Biochemistry.  He wanted to be a specialist in the Medical Laboratory whereupon he will be titled as a doctor.  Why not?  He is now continuing his education at the same university.  The other 7 students will be finishing this scholastic year (2009-2010).

A new class of the high school program has joined, compromised of 5 students.  All of them came from different schools for the deaf.  And one of them was educated in USA, and recently his family determined to return to Lebanon for good.  He is facing some difficulties to learn different system.  We are sure that with time he will acquire, learn and manage with the Lebanese system of studies.

Al-together there is 17 students in the high school program, divided into 3 different levels.  The 3^rd year group of 8 students, is now preparing for the official examination, held in June 2010.  We have also no doubt that they will do just fine, as we have had experiences.