CEMEDE was created on the occasion of the 10 years anniversary of the Barcelona Process
CEMEDE members felt it was necessary to answer the call of the European Commission to strengthen neighboring ties between EU Member Sates and other Mediterranean countries covered by MEDA (Middle East Development Association)
SPORTS events
CEMEDE believes in the power of sports as a catalyst for positive change within a culture and society. Sport is a valuable tool for children, youths, and adults to interact in the spirit of fair competition and to create a sense of achievement and pride.
Athletic activities have the power to bridge differences and to produce a healthy environment with strong ethical codes. Since the sporting spirit is a naturally inclusive and altogether a positive one, Special needs youth and adults deem it easier to reintegrate into the mainstream of society through different athletic activities.
Through its support to the Special Olympics Belgium, CEMEDE is involved in the inclusion of special needs individuals in sporting events.
Ever since 2010, CEMEDE has sponsored the Horse riding competitions that take place in the Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics resumed on May 21-22, 2020 in a different format geared towards an online approach and following all COVID-19 safety measures. This year’s edition held the title: Virtual Games 2020.
Sustainable Development Projects
CEMEDE works on Implementing policies and projects that have a lasting environmentally sustainable impact in Mediterranean countries . It stands true to work on improving the present all while preserving the potential of the future.
With this concept in mind, CEMEDE created the “Building Better” project which was developed in collaboration with the Lebanese Minister of Economy in 2006.
With the support of Brussels Export, Carmen Chahine managed to associate CEMEDE to the Belgian Royal Economic Mission headed by HRH Prince Philippe of Belgium and represented CEMEDE at the first “Building Better” Euro conference held in Qatar in November 2007.
CEMEDE thus gained further exposure and created more international bridges of cooperation in its goal to plan and implement projects that are sustainable on an environmental, economical, and humanitarian level.
Educational Development Projects
In Lebanon, CEMEDE supports CLES (Lebanese Center for Special Education) with the objective of helping children with specific learning difficulties. This includes training of elementary teachers and producing awareness conferences that address the general public on specific learning difficulties.
CEMEDE also extends support to the eight centers of CLES for the early detection and treatment of students with learning difficulties. The centers are located in Beirut, Badaro, Tripoli, Saida, Nabatieh, Zahleh, Zouk and Semkanieh.
CEMEDE also assisted CLES with the development, printing, and distribution of multiple informative publications that raise awareness and assist in the early detection of Specific Learning Difficulties, thus offering scientific support and valuable assistance to parents and teachers of children suffering from these difficulties, as well as providing those children with better chances at becoming successful members in their communities.
Atelier Indigo is an uncommon concept in Belgium, but one deemed important as it provides Adults and Children with various difficulties (mental, physical, sensory, and / or psychological) with artistic workshops curated by professional artists and attended by the general public.
The workshops follow the framework of Plateau96, Center for Expression and Creativity, and are recognized by the Culture department of the Wallonia Brussels Federation. All workshops vary from therapeutic to occupational ones. Artistic pre-requisite is a must.
The Indigo project helps people with difficulties integrate better in their societies by providing a safe and artistic space that allows them to interact with a mix of the population all while developing and nurturing their artistic side under the guidance of professional teachers in the field.
Educational Development Projects
Dramatic Art Projects
