The Child Exhibition

The Child Exhibition held in West Hall at the American University of Beirut was a work for which our national institutions that aim at child welfare and the care of the child deserve thanks.

The opening ceremony took place on the afternoon of May sixteenth. It was attended by a distinguished company of notables of learning and thought, among whom we mention in particular President Dodge and his wife, and Dr. Philip Hitti and his wife. And since our august government was worn out with matters as far as could be from a child project such as this, we saw not one of its members present, despite invitations having been sent to them. The ceremony was to be held under the patronage of Her Ladyship the First Lady of Lebanon, but her attendance proved impossible at the last moment, so the worthy lady, the wife of Dr. Philip Hitti, was entrusted with presiding. Then Mr. Victor Armouni delivered an opening address in the name of the Village Welfare project. He was followed by Dr. Jamal Karam Harfush with a brief and eloquent speech on the importance of the child and the necessity of caring for him.

The exhibition continued throughout May 17, 18, and 19, and refined crowds of the populace flocked to visit it — which stood as proof of the first signs of a deep awareness of the movements that make for true building.

In addition, while the magazine was going to press, the opening ceremony of the "Child Care Dispensary" attached to the Islamic Orphanage also took place, under the patronage of Her Ladyship the First Lady of Lebanon. The ceremony was most splendid; it was attended by a gathering of our refined ladies, and several speeches were delivered in it which likewise show the measure of concern for the child in our educational circles.