On Tuesday, 27 March, the Faculty of Letters & Human Sciences, Branch 5 organized a rich cultural event titled "Together for Peace".

Peace is not the absence of war; it is a construction, a conquest, a continuous effort, a daily experience, a shared responsibility. It is a state of mind, a desire for kindness, trust, and justice. This is one of the conclusions reached by the students at the end of a cultural day rich in exchanges, color, and emotion, organized by the Department of French Language & Literature at the FLHS - Branch 5 on Tuesday, 27 March, in celebration of Francophonie Month. An event initiated by Dr. Faten Kobrosli, Head of the French Department and Professor of Comparative Literature at the Lebanese University, Saida, which was a resounding success with a large audience of students, teachers, and academic administrators.

“This day marked the culmination of a long project undertaken by our students over the course of more than a month, during which they read texts on peace in three languages: French, Arabic, and English. They analyzed, compared, weighed, and dissected the words to understand them, learn them, and make them their own", explains Professor Kobrosli.

In addition to comparative readings and discussions in class, as well as on the digital platforms the students created for the occasion, the young scholars also embarked on an art project to illustrate and give concrete form to their different perceptions of peace. “We encouraged students to express themselves through art as well by inviting them to create two works each on this theme of great importance to us: a painting and a collage", continues Dr. Kobrosli.

The result is impressive: a collection of more than 75 works that showcase these young people’s perspectives on peace and offer a glimpse into the reflections each of them has had on the subject. “During the cultural day, together with Professor Jean Daoud, former dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts & Architecture, we selected the best works, which were awarded prizes. It was an engaging process that involved all participants and allowed the students to present and defend their work before the jury assembled for the occasion", Dr. Kobrosli adds.

The discussions and debates, which formed a major part of the cultural day, began with a film produced by the students with the help of a young journalist from Jinane University—a documentary-style film shot in South Lebanon that offers a glimpse of what peace means to young Lebanese people. "We moved from the field to literature, and more specifically to the latest work by the Franco-Lebanese writer Ezza Agha Malak, *Peace, Love, and Nothing Else*, to try to find answers to the many questions that interest us.

During the academic literary discussion that followed the film screening, Ms. Malak, who was present with us, had very interesting exchanges with the students on the themes of love, peace, violence, religion, extremism…" noted Professor Kobrosli, before adding: “We focused on essential questions such as: What is a human being? How can we live together? How can we build peace? But also, how can we take control of our future? And how can we consolidate peace more effectively in Lebanon?”

Peace and Nothing Else

Also, on the agenda for this eventful day, supported by Dr. Nassif Nehmé, Dean of the Faculty of Letters & Human Sciences, and backed by the AUF’s Middle East Directorate and the French Institute of Lebanon, were songs performed by LU Choir - Branch 5, under the direction of Dr. Laure Abess. Lectures on various themes such as "Art and Creativity in Self-Construction and the Fight Against Violence", given by Professor Jean Daoud, and "Women and Peace", given by Dr. Halimé Kaakour; choral readings, in different languages, of excerpts from the works of Ezza Agha Malak; reinterpretations of literary texts and an exhibition of paintings created by students on the theme of peace. "The students’ role in the success of this event is essential. I thank them warmly," emphasizes Professor Faten Kobrosli. She concludes: "We wanted this academic event to be a cultural and artistic celebration of peace that transcends borders. Our ultimate goal is to promote intercultural dialogue and celebrate the values of the Francophonie: solidarity, diversity, and excellence".

Source: L’Orient-Le Jour

Roula AZAR DOUGLAS | OLJ

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