LEBANON: NOMINATIONS FOR FY-09 MEPI STUDENT LEADERS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 BEIRUT 000137 NEA/PI FOR SULLIVAN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMPI KPAO PREL LE SUBJECT: LEBANON: NOMINATIONS FOR FY-09 MEPI STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM ¶1. (U) On January 23 and 26, a four-member post panel conducted interviews with short listed applicants for this summer's MEPI Student Leaders Program. Due to the large number of applications received this year by highly qualified Lebanese and Palestinian applicants (born and residing in Lebanon),the panel has selected six principal Lebanese candidates and two alternates based on their qualifications for the program, as well as six Palestinian candidates who come from particularly different and difficult socio-economic milieu (being refugees) and could not be compared to the Lebanese candidates but deserve an equal opportunity. ¶2. (U) The six principal Lebanese nominees are in rank order: Mario Abou Zeid, Joelle Eid, Sanaa Maalouf, Veronique El Kartabany, Marwan Abdallah, Hiba Kamal. The three alternates are in rank order: Michele Fenianos, Sarah Khalil, and Mohammad Awad. ¶3. (U) Following is complete biographical data and post justifications for the ten principal nominees: Mario Abou Zeid a. Abou Zeid; b. Mario; c. Sharbel; d. 01/22/1988; e. Mazraat Yashouh, Al Maten; f. Abou Zeid building 3d floor; g. Midan street; h. Lebanon; i. Male; j. Mazraat Yashouh, Al Maten, Midan street, Abou Zeid building 3d floor; k. Mobile: 961-3-103283; l. Mario.abouzeid@gmail.com; m. None; n. Sagesse University; o. BA Politcial Science and International Affairs (2006-present); p. Outreach officer at the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections- Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform project, Beirut-Lebanon; q. Elected Students Representative in high school(2003-2004)- Received Scholarship 'Merite ble vert' from Bank Audi/La Sagesse High School- Champion of the Sagesse High Schools Chess Tournament- champion of the Lebanese High Schools Basketball tournament- Best Junior Basketball player in Al Maten-Lebanon during the Pepsi Talent Scout 2003 program- High school delegate for the Youth Connection program with "Oum El Nour" organization for rehabilitation and drugs prevention- Elected President of the Committee of Youth Congregations- Al Maten Al Jabal region; r. Extreme Adventure Sports Instructor and trainer at "La Reserve- �A;Afqa"- Volunteer at the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE)- President of the Maten Committee and member of the Executive Central committee of the "Lebanese Youth Congregations"; s. basketball, football, tennis, athletics, horse riding, mountain climbing, abseiling, caving, hunting, fishing, archery, chess, astrology, music and reading; t. Assistant Manager at "Total Lebanon, BHV Gas Station" during the 2006 July War; u. None; v. Very good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; very good answers; hard worker and high leadership potential. Joelle Eid a. Eid; b. Joelle; c. Bassam; d. 12/24/1988; e. Beirut; f. Lebanon; g. Lebanon; h. Lebanon; i. Female; j. Rabweh, 6th street, Antoine Eid bldg, Beirut, Lebanon; k. Mobile: 961-70-4176969 ; l. joelle.eid@gmail.com; m. None; n. Lebanese American University- Byblos; o. International Affairs/Political Science (September 2006-present); p. Since September 2007, Joelle has been working with the international Catholic Migration Committee (ICMC) in translating Department of Homeland Security Missions (DHS) with Iraqi Refugees at the US Embassy - She has also had an internship with UNHCR; q. None; r. None; s. politics, debates and reading; t. Since September 2008, Joelle has been the director of Training at the Global Classrooms LAU Model United Nations Program (GC-LAUMUN)- From September 2006 until June 2008 she was a trainer and school relations coordinator at the same institute- She was the President of the International Affairs Club of the Lebanese American University from September 2007 until July 2008- Between 1999 and 2008 she was a scout member and leader at the Association des Guides Du Liban (AGDL); u. None; v. Excellent oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; w. Evidenced real interest in MEPI programs as she had applied to this program in 2007; Sanaa Maalouf a. Maalouf; b. Sanaa; c. Elias; d. 05/05/1988; e. Beit El Kiko, Metn; f. Lebanon; g. Lebanon; h. Lebanon; i. Female; j. Beit El Kiko, Street 13, building no.4, Metn-Lebanon; k. Mobile: 961-03-343746 ; Home : 961-04-928481 l. sanaamaalouf393@hotmail.com; m. None; n. University of Balamand; o. Health Promotion (September 2006-present); p. Works as a Research Assistant with World Vision for the Frontline project since January 2009- Internship with UNHCR from July 2008 until September 2008; q. Placed on the Dean's Honor List in the Faculty of Health Sciences in all academic semesters from Fall 2006 until Fall 2008; r. None; s. drawing, photography, sports, hiking and reading; t. Secretary in the "4D" University Development Club since 2007- Player in the Beit El Kiko Basketball Girls Team- Volunteer with Amnesty International's Regional office in Beirut- Volunteer with the Saint Vincent De Paul charitable association; u. None; v. Excellent English language skills as evidenced by application and interview; w. Sanaa wants to get a Master's degree and then a PHD in Health studies. She aims at holding a decisive position at the Lebanese Health Ministry in order to make and implement policies to improve the local health sector. Veronique El-Kartabany a. El-Kartabany; b. Veronique; c. Badoui; d. 07/15/1988; e. Zgharta; f. Lebanon; g. Lebanon; h. Lebanon; i. Female; j. Mejdlayah, Zgharta, Haret Jdideh road, Badoui El-Kartabany building; k. Home: 961-6-662085; Mobile: 961-70-145856; l. veronica_ik7@hotmail.com; m. None; n. University of Balamand; o. Translation as a Major and Political Science as a Minor(2006-present); p. Since February 2006, Veronique has been working as the main Assistant at the Balamand University Office of Student Affairs/International Student division- She is also a free-lance translator for students and private companies such as Technoway; q. She was placed on the Honor List in 2006; r. None; s. dancing, knitting, presenting, writing, reading, hiking, and decorating; t. Founder of the Ladies Club at the Balamand University through which she organized an Awareness Campaign for the prevention of Breast Cancer and celebrations for the Independence Day- She is an active member of the Cine Club, the International Cultural Club and the Human Rights Club, as well as being a member of the Career Fair Committee and the Folk Dance Club, at the university. She is a former member of "Al-Inaya Al Ilahiya Association for Handicaps and Elders" and a former member of the Mont La Salle Scouts in Zgharta (what does this organization do?). u. None; v. Excellent oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; w. Veronique exhibits a lot of maturity and has great leadership potential, in addition to a sense of humor. Marwan Abdallah a. Abdallah; b. Marwan; c. Fouad; d. 03/26/1988; e. Batroun; f. Lebanon; g. Lebanon; h. Lebanon; i. Male; j. Rashana main street, Fouad Abdallah Residence, Batroun- Lebanon; k. Home: 961-6-720336; Mobile: 961-70-856350; l. marwan360@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Lebanese American University (LAU)Byblos; o. Political Science/International Affairs; p. President of the university campus Discovery Club and member of the International Affairs Club- He is also an active member of the Youth Planning Council of "Caritas Lebanon" charitable organization and a volunteer with the Institute of Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation, in addition to being a member of theSkiing Society; q. None r. None; s. basketball, soccer, swimming, politics, travel and history; t. Marwan has been working since January 2007 as a waiter at the "Crepaway" restaurant in Batroun area. u. Good written and oral English skills as evidenced by application and interview; v. Marwan demonstrates good civil service activities and involvement. He is a hard worker and has great leadership potential. Hiba Kamal a. Kamal; b. Hiba; c. Doukan/Zoukan; d. 12/02/1986; e. Druze; f. Aley; g. Lebanon; h. Lebanon; i. Female; j. Shoueifat El-Hadad, Shaaban building, 4th floor, Aley, Lebanon; k. Home: 961-5-432697; Mobile: 961-3-064474; l. hibakamal_d@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Notre Dame University (NDU); o. MA in International Affairs and Diplomacy (BA graduate from AUST in Journalism in 2008); p. Hiba has been working since 2007 with the Arabic News Broadcast (ANB) first as a coordinator then presently as a reporter, writing international political reports- She was trained as a news editor at the Voice of Lebanon (VOL)between November 2006 and May 2005; q. Received a certificate from the American University of Science and Technology (AUST)for being a top student at the Speech Communication course; r. None; s. Good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; t. Hiba is already doing her Master's degree although considered under the usual age limit. She exhibits a strong and independent personality and serious work commitment. ¶4. (U) The six principal Palestinian nominees, whom would undoubtedly enrich the MEPI Lebanon Alumni Network, are in rank order: Fatima Al Dimassi, Mohamad Bakri, Saleh Al Dimassi, Mohamad Fathalla, Mohamad Himmo, and Ahmad Abdul Hadi. Fatima Al Dimassi a. Fatima; b. Al Dimassi; c. Bassam; d. 12/21/1987; e. Palestinian; f. "Shatila" camp ; g. Beirut; h. Lebanon; i. Female; j. "Shatila" camp, next to "Horsh" Beirut, UNRWA buildings area, "Wahiba" store building, 2nd floor, Beirut, Lebanon; k. Mobile: 961-70-945639; l. thatoma_kute@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Beirut Arab University (BAU); o. Major studies, Business (since 2006); p. Minor studies, Media (since 2008) q. Lebanese University r. Fatima volunteered as a secretary to the Personnel Field Officer at the UNRWA Lebanon Field Office from June 2008 until August 2008; s. Received a certificate of good service from UNRWA Lebanon Field Office; t. None; u. interested in media, research and reporting; u. Good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; v. Fatima is very poised, dynamic and has leadership potential. She has self-confidence and is studying business management and media at different universities as she is ambitious and would like to focus on media awareness for political issues; Mohamad Bakri a. Mohamad; b. Bakri; c. Salahiddin; d. 07/19/1988; e. Palestinian; f. COB: Libya g. Saida; h. Lebanon; i. Male; j. First floor, Abdo Sido building, above Abo Alool market, Dalua street, Saida city, Lebanon; k. Home: 961-07-724409 Mobile: 961-03-330855; l. bakrionline@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Lebanese University in Saida; o. English language and literature (since 2006); p. Mohamad is very involved in community service and volunteering. He trained in first aide in high school and volunteered with a university group in extinguishing forest fires that broke out in Lebanon during summer 2007 and April 2008. He also volunteered and helped the Saida municipality in cleaning the sea shore of the cityand helped the refugees that fled from Southern Lebanese villages and came to Saida during the July 2006 war; q. Mohamad worked full time during summer 2008 as an accountant at "Abo Riyad", a local center in Saida. He also worked from September 2007 until May 2008 as a public relations officer with the Lebanese Technical Institute of Saida; r. None; s. interested in traveling, making and hosting friends from different cultures and internet networking; t. Good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; u. Mohamad wants to be a teacher and inform students about America after he returns from the program He is a strong advocate of women's rights and upports women leadership in society. He is helpful, creative and thinks "out of the box"; Saleh Al Dimassi a. Saleh; b. Al Dimassi; c. Bassam; d. 12/21/1986; e. Palestinian; f. "Shatila" camp ; g. Beirut; h. Lebanon; i. Male; j. "Shatila" camp, next to "Horsh" Beirut, UNRWA buildings area, "Wahiba" store building, 2nd floor, Beirut, Lebanon; k. Mobile: 961-70-945639; l. hazolat_2@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Beirut Arab University (BAU); o. Science, Biochemistry (since 2006); p. Saleh volunteered with the Qatar Red Crescent to collect information on families at the Shatilla camp and distribute in kind subsidiaries during and after the July 2007 war in Lebanon. He has also volunteered in Beirut UNRWA polyclinic in 2008 as a medical lab technician. q. None; r. Good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; s. Saleh is committed to community projects and believes a leader grows from grassroots. He is eager to have a cross-cultural learning experience; Mohamad Fathalla a. Mohamad; b. Fathalla; c. Zaki; d. 08/31/1988; e. Palestinian; f. Hamra ; g. Beirut; h. Lebanon; i. Male; j. Leon street, Hamra area, Omar Ghalayini building 3d floor, Beirut, Lebanon; k. Mobile: 961-70-811471; l. mohdfatha@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Lebanese American University (LAU); o. Economics, Finance (since 2006); p. Mohamad has been an active member of the Palestinian Cultural Club since 2006. He has also volunteered in Palestinian refugees camps, helping children with their studies and teaching them computer and English language; q. Mohamad has been working the last 2 years as an Assistant in his university's Education Department. r. Graduate high school with Distinction; s. None; t. interested in politics, human rights issues and economics; u. Good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; v. Mohamad has good public relations skills, is open-minded and exhibits good leadership potential; Mohammed Himmo a. Mohammed; b. Himmo; c. Bassam; d. 10/17/1986; e. Palestinian; f. Tarek Il Jdedeh ; g. Beirut; h. Lebanon; i. COB: KSA, Khobar; j. Male; k. Tareek El Jadedeh, Ard Jalloul, Beirut, Lebanon; l. Mobile: 961-70-821693; m. moudy1408@hotmail.com; n. None; o. Art, Science & Technology University in Lebanon; p. Business, Management Information System (since 2007); q. Mohammed volunteered with the Lebanese Civil Defense in 2008, assisting in transporting injured people to the hospital; r. Received a reward from the St.Georges School for the Dram Film Festival and an honor award by the school principle for accomplishing this project successfully; s. None; t. Working as a customer service officer since November 2008 at a small private company. u. interested in travelling, swimming and playing football; v. Good oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; w. Mohammed wants to be an entrepreneur in the IT sector. He is very focused on working towards self-improvement and enhancing employment rights ; Ahmad Abdul Hadi a. Ahmad; b. Abdul Hadi; c. Hassan; d. 05/12/1987; e. Palestinian; f. Beirut; g. Beirut; h. Lebanon; i. Male; j. Tareek El Jedideh, 'Hassan Khaled' street, facing 'Imam Ali' mosk, 'Sammak' building, 8th floor ; k. Mobile: 961-70-995186; l. mado_278@hotmail.com; m. None; n. Beirut Arab University (BAU); o. Business (since 2006); p. Ahmad volunteered with the Qatar Red Crescent, supervising a group to collect information about families in "Shatilla" camp and to give them in kind subsidiaries during and after the July 2006 war in Lebanon; q. None; r. interested in music, swimming and fishing; s. Understandable oral and written English as evidenced by application and interview; t. Ahmad is strongly committed to continued service within the Palestinian community. He expressed his desire to dialogue with Israeli youth to fill the communication gap ;5. (U) Although it would be unjust to compare Lebanese and Palestinian applicants due to their very different backgrounds and needs for the program, if we have to make the difficult decision to come with a merged and minimized list for both categories, the nominees would be in rank order: Mario Abou Zeid, Joelle Eid, Fatima Al Dimassi, Mohamad Bakri, Sanaa Maalouf, and Saleh Al Dimassi. The alternate nominees are in rank order: Marwan Abdallah, Hiba Kamal, and Veronique El Kartabany. ¶6. (U) Post action officer: Jacqueline Ward; telephone number: 961-4-542600 ext.4432; fax number: 961-4-544318; email address: wardjl2@state.gov ¶7. (U) Biographical data and justification for alternate candidates will be provided as needed. SISON