Najwa Karam (center) visits the EducationUSA Center at AMIDEAST and meets with six students, ALAB member Wafa Saab, and Gala co-chair Milia Garabet
WASHINGTON, BEIRUT—Lebanese superstar Najwa Karam and award-winning Lebanese-Armenian pianist Guy Manoukian’s visit to AMIDEAST’s Beirut office on August 30 caused an emotional outpouring of support. In anticipation of the star-studded Education Hero Award Gala being held in Beverly Hills on October 14, the celebrities’ behind-the-scenes tour included a “meet and greet” with several AMIDEAST scholarship recipients.
Guy Manoukian is welcomed with a small cedar tree during his visit with AMIDEAST board members Asma Zein and Wafa Saab and several scholarship recipients
Representing different backgrounds, ages, and majors, eight young Lebanese scholars shared their stories and how AMIDEAST had changed their lives by enabling them to attend top U.S. schools, including MIT, the University of Chicago, Swarthmore, and Williams College.
The stars were visibly impressed by the accomplishments of these young adults and moved by their commitment to give back to their country. Ms. Karam praised AMIDEAST and its advisory board of successful Lebanese business and civic leaders for their efforts to build the capacity of Lebanon’s youth — much needed efforts in her view to make the country blossom again. Mr. Manoukian urged the young scholars not to forget about Lebanon and or compromise what impact they can make, while continuing to do their best.
AMIDEAST students present Najwa Karam with a small cedar tree to thank her for her support.
The celebrities were also welcomed by two officers of the AMIDEAST/Lebanon Advisory Board (ALAB), who are cohosting the gala: Ms. Asma Zein, General Manager of Infofort Lebanon — Crypta, and Ms. Wafa Saab, CEO of Tinol Paints.
Najwa Karam and her brother during their visit to AMIDEAST/Lebanon
Impressed by the brilliance and commitment of these deserving students, Najwa Karam and Guy Manoukian are generously supporting AMIDEAST’s first international gala by donating their performances in-kind. The evening program will also include a performance by the California Crooners Club. The event promises to be an unforgettable and elegant evening with top entertainment that will generate additional support for AMIDEAST’s programs benefiting youth in Lebanon.
Proceeds from the gala will be used to expand the organization’s youth programs in Lebanon.
For additional details, please visit the gala website: www.AMIDEASTgala.com.
America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc., or AMIDEAST (www.amideast.org), is an American nonprofit organization engaged in international education, training, and development assistance. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of field offices in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen. AMIDEAST has operated continuously in Lebanon for nearly 50 years. The AMIDEAST/Lebanon Advisory Board consists of 30 prominent business and civic leaders in Lebanon, the United States, and the Gulf.