A milestone for green energy in education was celebrated as the Rotary Club of Beirut Cedars unveiled a 50KW photovoltaic system at Vahan Tekeyan School. This significant event, held on February 8th 2024, under the patronage of District 2452 Governor Bashar Haddad, marked a new era of sustainable development and educational support.
The ceremony began with PP Ghassan Hajjar, Master of Ceremony, emphasizing the Rotary’s enduring principles as embodied by the Four-Way Test. VIP guests, inclusive of Rotary leaders and community stalwarts, were warmly introduced, heralding a collaborative spirit.
Mrs. Annie Lachinian Magarian, Chairperson of the school board, offered an engaging historical perspective on the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s role in education since 1947 and welcomed the inauguration of the photovoltaic project. This initiative, she noted, not only meets the school’s energy needs but also significantly alleviates budgetary constraints, allowing for enhanced educational programs. She expressed her gratitude to both the Rotary Club Beirut Cedars for its attachment to helping the school following the Beirut blast under PP Hagop Dantziguian’s tenure and the donors for their trust in TCA.
PP Hagop Dantziguian presented the project’s narrative, from conception to completion, the technical aspects of the solution, and recognized the key contributors, thanking Rotary Club Los Angeles Cedars, USA for always being there for the community. He emphasized on how the ball started rolling upon the wish of Los Angeles Beirut Sister Cities to support a school of the Armenian community in Lebanon with a photovoltaic system. He also thanked Narinco and its General Manager Norayr Elmayan for their provided expertise and support. He also cited the system’s robust performance since January, underscoring its value as the seasons progress.
Representatives from the project’s donors shared their respective visions for the initiative. Speaking for the Clara Margossian Trust, Mrs. Anahid Dantziguian conveyed the Trust’s commitment to educational projects and its broader mission to meet the community’s needs, including healthcare, addressing the care trustee Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian has for the communities in the diaspora and Armenia. Meanwhile, Mr. Ara Kalfayan, representing Los Angeles Beirut Sister Cities, highlighted their focus on enhancing educational opportunities and bridging learning experiences between Lebanon and the American market.
P. Ramzi Abou Samah recounted the Rotary Club’s significant contributions to local communities, while Deputy District Governor Chawkat Houalla conveyed Rotary’s support for sustainable projects, echoing District Governor Bashar Haddad’s endorsement.
The event was brought to a close by the Master of Ceremony, who reaffirmed the Rotary’s motto ‘Service Above Self’. A buffet provided by the school created a space for dialogue on collaboration and future ventures.
The Rotary Club of Beirut Cedars extends its heartfelt gratitude to all partners, donors, and participants who contributed to this project, now a beacon of hope and a symbol of a sustainable, and enlightened future.
