Miss Mamduha al-Sayyid is one of our cultivated young ladies, and a professor of social studies at the American College of Beirut.
She specialized at institutes in England. Here, in this talk in question-and-answer form, she treats a social subject that is still, among us, in the budding stage.
Q — Now that Lebanon has succeeded in creating a Ministry of Social Affairs, what are the steps that must be followed to support this ministry and make it an effective agent in the nation's renaissance?
A — Yes, we have lately been able to congratulate ourselves on the birth of this ministry, which is clear proof of the stirring of a social awareness that seeks to reform what has gone wrong in society, to treat its social problems, and to bring it relief. And we know that the progress of nations is measured by the life of their individuals from the standpoints of health, morals, and work. The suppression of contagious diseases, the spread of means for improving public health, and the safeguarding of the individual's health are a measure of a nation's progress. The spread of security, and the existence of institutions working to root out social ills and treat them, are proof of how far a country is civilized; and as for the worker, when his rights are protected and his safety is preserved, that is clear evidence of the nation's awareness.
Q — What you have mentioned is true, and we hope all this will come to pass for us and place us in the ranks of the advanced nations.
A — We are in an age in which the word "hope" has become an empty phrase without meaning unless it is backed by work. The time of hopes and wishes
is past, and the day of miracles and wonders is over; our condition today is in urgent need of striving and diligence, and of work done earnestly, honestly, and faithfully.
Q — True enough; but what kind of work must we undertake so as to set out on the right road?
A — Work in the social field has a special program, divided into three parts.
Q — And what are these parts?
A — The first part is alerting public opinion to the social problems of the present, by way of the schools, the press, lectures, and broadcasts, to prepare it to accept their solution and dispose it to take a share in improving them.
Q — Can you give us an example of that?
A — Yes, and here is a simple example. Let us take the high rate of infant mortality, most of whose causes go back to the ignorance of the expectant mother and to her delivery at the hands of an ignorant, unlicensed midwife. Can such weakness and ignorance be remedied unless the mother is convinced, and understands the harm of resorting to such a midwife and the dangers it brings upon her and her child?
Q — Of course; this is a question of the utmost importance, to which our ignorant mothers pay no attention.
A — As for the second part, it requires the preparation of officials specializing in social affairs, and this requires schools and special programs. To specialize in such a branch, the student is required to hold one of the higher certificates, such as the baccalaureate, second part, or its equivalent; and afterwards to spend a period of two years or four, according to the grade of the diploma he wishes to obtain, at one of the schools of social studies, so as to become fit for work in that field. And these schools have special programs.
Q — And what are these programs? Won't you tell us something about them?
A — Certainly. These programs include theoretical studies and practical training. The theoretical studies and lectures comprise the following sciences:
psychology in its various branches, economics, political science, social administration, philosophy and sociology, and social medicine. All
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