History and Identity
The General Council, in line with the Order's interest in remote regions, decided in 1983 to construct the Monastery of Our Lady of the Annunciation, and in 2002 to build Al Kalima School – Our Lady of the Annunciation to serve as a spiritual and academic center for the village and its surroundings, especially since Lebanon was suffering from security problems in all regions during this period.
The mission of our school aligns with the mission of the Lebanese Maronite Order, which has historically aimed to instill spiritual, moral, cultural, social, and national values in our society. Therefore, our mission seeks to impart these values to our students, enabling them to face the challenges of our time. From this foundation, we aim to establish a clear vision and targeted strategy through which we can keep pace with scientific progress based on modern technology, helping learners to acquire culture and science in an advanced manner.
Rmeich, a village situated on the southern border, has faced significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The war has severely disrupted daily life, including the education of children. As a result, students in Rmeich have been unable to attend school in person, leading to a complete shift to online classes.
The transition to online education, while necessary, has not been without its difficulties. Many families in Rmeich were already struggling financially before the war, and the added burden of the conflict has only exacerbated their economic hardships. Consequently, parents have found it increasingly difficult to afford the fees required for their children's education.
Despite these challenges, the school and the community have made concerted efforts to ensure that education continues. Teachers have adapted to the online format, striving to provide quality education through virtual classrooms. However, the lack of resources, such as reliable internet access and technological devices, has made this transition particularly challenging for many students.
In response to the financial difficulties faced by the parents, the school has explored various ways to support the community. This includes seeking external funding, implementing flexible payment plans, and providing scholarships to ensure that no student is left behind due to an inability to pay fees.
Additionally, community organizations and international aid groups have been mobilized to provide assistance. This support ranges from supplying necessary technological equipment to offering financial aid to families in need. These efforts aim to alleviate the immediate burden on the parents and create a more sustainable environment for the students' education during these turbulent times.
The situation in Rmeich highlights the resilience of the community and the critical importance of ensuring access to education, even in the most challenging circumstances. The collective efforts of the school, parents, and external supporters underscore a commitment to overcoming adversity and providing students with the education they deserve, despite the ongoing war.
