Beirut: Haigazian University's Center for Continuing Education (CCE), in partnership with Samford University and backed by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from the Advanced Diploma in Social Work program. The ceremony, which took place on August 28, 2026, at Haigazian University Auditorium, celebrated the culmination of the Lebanese American Social Work Collaboration (LASWC) project.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the event witnessed the presence of prominent figures including Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University; Ms. Evelyn Garrity, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut; Mr. Elie Ferneiny, Public Engagement Specialist in the embassy's Public Diplomacy Section; Dr. Nadia Badran, President of the Social Workers' Syndicate in Lebanon; along with faculty, graduates, and guests. This ceremony marked the successful graduation of 28 social workers and established the program as a long-term professional development offering through CCE.
The Advanced Diploma program emerged from the "Lebanese American Social Work Collaboration: Equipping Social Workers in Lebanon for Practice with Vulnerable and Disadvantaged People" initiative. This joint effort aimed to address the professional needs of social workers serving vulnerable populations, particularly in crisis-affected areas. The initiative received support from the Social Workers' Syndicate in Lebanon (SWSL) and funding from a U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section grant.
Christopher Kijilian, CCE Supervisor and LASWC Project Coordinator, elaborated on the program's development, starting with a comprehensive nationwide assessment of social work practices and professional needs. Feedback from 108 practicing social workers and 16 in-depth interviews informed a research-driven curriculum focusing on contemporary social work practices.
The program's curriculum included five modules, covering topics such as psychosocial assessment, management and referral, mental wellbeing, self-care, and legal frameworks. The pilot phase, conducted from September 2025 to July 2026, utilized a blended learning approach that combined online and in-person sessions, asynchronous learning, and project-based assignments. Continuous feedback from participants helped refine the program's delivery and assessment methods while ensuring academic rigor.
Key project team members shared insights at the ceremony. Dr. Shaghig Hudaverdian stressed the critical role of ongoing professional development for social workers amidst Lebanon's complex challenges. She praised the collaboration between Haigazian and Samford universities and expressed hope for the program's expansion. Mr. Bedros Kazazian highlighted the adaptive curriculum development based on research and participant feedback, underscoring the graduates' dedication and resilience.
Dr. Rachel Hagues reflected on the partnership's origins, rooted in 2019 research on social workers aiding refugees in Lebanon. She emphasized the program's commitment to creating a sustainable, evidence-based curriculum. Dr. David Cecil noted the importance of participant engagement in shaping the program and the shared values among social workers worldwide.
Ms. Evelyn Garrity, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy, congratulated the graduates and highlighted the program's integration of Lebanese and American expertise. She emphasized the role of ethical social workers in strengthening civil society and encouraged graduates to leverage field challenges for research and advocacy.
Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University, commended the graduates and stressed that the diploma marks a new chapter in their professional journey. He highlighted the university's commitment to social work education and the importance of the partnership with Samford University and the U.S. Embassy.
Graduates Andrea Maalouf and Chourouk Kouteich shared their experiences, highlighting the program's impact on their professional growth and the practical tools gained. They noted the program's accessibility and flexibility, allowing them to balance professional commitments with advanced learning.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of Advanced Diplomas to 24 graduates in attendance, followed by a group photograph and reception. With the pilot's success, the Advanced Diploma in Social Work will continue through Haigazian University's CCE, with the next cohort scheduled for 2027. The 200-hour diploma program requires a formal Social Work degree, English proficiency, and preferably three to five years of professional experience. Participants will complete the diploma within two years, earning certificates for each module and the Advanced Diploma upon completion.
Source: National news agency - Lebanon