Beirut: Right To Play announced its participation in the ‘Sahtak Bi Idak’ project, launched on Thursday, September 25th by the French Embassy and the French Institute in Lebanon during a ceremony held at the R©sidence des Pins in Beirut, under the patronage of the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Herv© Magro.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, ‘Sahtak Bi Idak’ is a new initiative inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Paris in 2024. Funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the project aims to develop a sports culture in Lebanon. It promotes sports as a factor of health and well-being, equality, inclusion, and a professional sector on its own. The project primarily benefits children, adolescents, youth, and promising athletes in Lebanon.
The two-year project combines three complementary axes: promoting physical activity, social and emotional learning, and interactive play to help children develop essential life skills; encouraging inclusion in sports by supporting projects led by local organizations; and accompanying Lebanese Olympic athletes and promising athletes in their training journey.
Right To Play’s role in this project focuses on working with 40 schools through 30 weekly sessions led by 80 physical education teachers. Psychosocial support will be integrated into physical education classes and school sports activities. Each session includes skill-building, reflection, and moments of free play, offering children the chance to learn, practice, and strengthen their social and emotional skills in a supportive educational environment. The sessions utilize basketball, football, athletics, and structured activities to provide safe and inclusive environments where children can connect, express themselves, and thrive.
Racha Nasreddine, Right To Play Lebanon Country Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with the French Embassy and the French Institute in Lebanon through the ‘Sahtak Bi Idak’ project, which highlights the vital role of sports as an effective tool for development and for psychosocial support of children and youth in Lebanon.” She added that the initiative would enable children in Lebanon to acquire essential social and emotional skills while enjoying safe play experiences in their schools.