SHAMA (LEBANON), NOVEMBER 30 – Italian ‘blue helmets’ located in the Western sector of Unifil -the UN peacekeeping mission for southern Lebanon- have organized a basic Italian language course for women of the municipality of Ain Ebel, the Italian Ministry of Defence announced on its website.
Ain Ebel is a village of about 1,500 inhabitants, located in the district of Bint Jbeil.The request for such language courses was made by the Mayor of Ain Ebel, and was welcomed by the brigadier general Andrea di Stasio – the Commander of the Western sector of Unifil.
The Italian course is taking place twice a week, and will end in December with a virtual ceremony in which attendance certificates will be delivered. The program, organized by the Italian contingent’s gender advisor, follows the rules and regulations of online learning, in respect of the current Covid-19 guidelines.
“Teaching the Italian language not only facilitates cultural exchange, but is also necessary to consolidate a friendly relationship between peoples who are historically tied by common roots, and important norms of dialogue and mutual respect”, General Di Stasio declared.
The Mayor of Ain Ebel has in turn thanked the Italian soldiers who, despite the difficulties brought about by the coronavirus emergency and the recent lockdown imposed by the Lebanese government, have worked hard to ensure online lessons. Among the main tasks of the Italian contingent of Unifil, in respect of the Security Council resolution 1701, are those of assisting the population, monitoring the cessation of hostilities and supporting the Lebanese armed forces. (SB@OnuItalia)
