22/12/2023
In the framework of the European project to support Lebanese community policing, cultural and awareness-raising activities have been carried out to strengthen the relationship between the community and the police
An ISF policeman helps a child draw a picture on the wall
The Collège du Sacré-Coeur – Frères Gemmayzé School organised a community engagement event on the school premises, with support from the European Community Policing Support Project in Lebanon. The initiative, led by the Community Policing Project in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces (ISF), aimed to strengthen community-police relations, raise awareness of pressing issues and foster a sense of cohesion between the local community, students and law enforcement.
Among those who attended the event were the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Wale, the Spanish Ambassador, Jesús I. Santos Aguado, and General Bilal Hajjar, representative of the Director General of the ISF. During the day, participants contributed to a collective mural painting project and explored different awareness-raising stations addressing crucial issues such as road safety, cybersecurity and community policing. School students actively participated with several ISF officers, trying out the seat belt convincer and the alcohol percentage simulator, highlighting the impact of wearing seat belts and not drinking while driving.
“This project goes beyond the physical rehabilitation of police stations or material support. Through this initiative, the European Union strives to bring police forces closer to the community. Lebanon needs strong state institutions that are transparent, effective and accountable to their citizens,” said Ambassador Sandra De Wale. Representing the ISF, General Bilal Hajjar echoed these sentiments, stating: “Today we gather in a cultural awareness-raising activity, emphasising the cohesion of security forces and youth to draw the future of the nation with bright colours and creative ideas”.
The highlight of the event was the joint musical performance by the School Choir and the ISF Orchestra of Christmas songs in English, Arabic and French, highlighting the harmonious collaboration between the police and the local community. Following the festivities, the community policing team invited the attendees to visit the Gemmayzeh police station, offering them the opportunity to witness the progress of the ongoing EU-funded construction works. This visit was part of the project’s response to requests from the community for assistance in rehabilitating a partially collapsed wall at the Mohammad Nasser Barracks in Mar Mkahel.
The EU-funded community policing project, led by FIIAPP in cooperation with CIVIPOL, continues to strengthen ties between law enforcement and local communities, reflecting the EU’s commitment to a safer and more connected future.
