SchoolTec Exhibition and Conference wraps up in Beirut amid challenging circumstances
Against the backdrop of the country's ongoing political instability and the conflict in southern Lebanon, a remarkable educational event unfolded, bringing a ray of hope to educational suppliers and institutions.
The past week saw the conclusion of the second edition of the SchoolTec Exhibition and Conference, specializing in the educational and technological supplies sector. This annual event in Lebanon underscores the critical role of the education sector as a foundational pillar of the nation's cultural identity and its regional educational prominence.
The exhibition and conference, held on March 7 and 8, drew the participation of a diverse group, including administrators, educators, teachers, and specialists, all seeking sustainable solutions for their educational institutions. The primary goal was to provide them with the necessary resources for development, ensuring that education remains in step with rapid technological advancements. This encompasses cutting-edge technologies, informative programs, robotics, educational and stationery supplies, along with enhancing individuals' capabilities through specialized training courses and educational consultations.
Running concurrently with the exhibition, the event also featured an accompanying conference, hosting numerous dialogue sessions. The first day included a panel discussion on the future of education in Lebanon, featuring leaders from two educational associations – Mohammad Samaha, General Manager of Al-Mustafa Schools, and Bilal Zein El-Dine, General Manager of Amal Educational Institutions. The session also welcomed Naameh Mahfoud, President of the Private School Teachers' Syndicate, and Hana Joujou, President of the Nursery Owners' Syndicate in Lebanon.
Subsequently, a session on supporting innovation through education took place, featuring speakers such as Omar Christidis, founder of ArabNet, Radwan Chouaib, founder of Mubarat al Ouloum, Rabih Baalbaki, President of the Edtech Syndicate, and Patrick Abou Chacra, founder of the Digital Media Syndicate.
On the second day, two panels, a talk, and a graduation ceremony unfolded. The first panel delved into artificial intelligence, presented by Krystel Yaacoub and Rania Saad from Saint Mary’s Orthodox College, discussing how to leverage AI to benefit teachers. The second panel explored the use of technology in schools and its impact on students, featuring technology heads Ahmed Shbaro from Makassed Association, Tarek Ibrahim, Technology Department Head at Al-Mustafa Schools, and the directors of two educational institutions – Bisan Shamma, Principal of Saint Mary’s Orthodox College, and Hassan Tajideen, President of Stars College. This session also included digital transformation expert Mario Akl. The event continued with a talk on making the school environment more dynamic and positive, led by expert Dr. Nabil Khoury, and concluded with a graduation ceremony for educational technologists.
“The second edition of SchoolTec presented notable challenges for all involved – organizers, exhibitors, speakers, and visitors. However, it stood as a testament to economic and educational resilience in times of crisis, sending a message of defiance in the face of adversity,” the organizers said.
“Despite the circumstances, exhibitors aimed to light the path for future education by showcasing exceptional educational supplies and solutions. Speakers shared their experiences, and visitors arrived with hopes for a better future for themselves, their institutions, and their students, aspiring to uplift the overall educational landscape,” the organizers added.
