The Opening of a New Home for Child Welfare

The Lebanese Child-Welfare Society opened its new home in Chiyah — the one whose construction the benefactor Najib Salha donated for the poor of the coast — at five o'clock on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 12. The ceremony was attended by a large number of political, literary, and social personalities.

The president of the society, Mrs. Zahia Salman, welcomed those present and laid before them a page from the society's works, from its founding in 1936 down to the present day. She also thanked the great benefactor, praised his noble works, and spurred on the zeal of the wealthy to follow in his footsteps. She was followed by children from the child-welfare home in Beirut, who recited some charming songs and verses that won the admiration and approval of the audience. As for Mr. Najib Hankash, he created an atmosphere of merriment with his delightful and well-received jokes; and after him spoke Mr. Said Freiha, dean of "Dar al-Sayyad," who spoke of the donor's nobility and his constant readiness to give whenever he is convinced that such giving serves the public good. The word of Chiyah was delivered by the woman of letters Nihad Ni'ma, who thanked the society and the benefactor; and the crowning close was the speech of Mr. Najib Salha, which came as fresh proof of his devotion and fidelity to his homeland.

After this the audience was invited to view the home and the children. Mrs. Salha cut the traditional ribbon, and the audience toured the home, admiring the arrangements and provisions it contained, which make it the equal of the finest day nurseries. In the home are one hundred boys and girls, cared for by specialist nurses. And every Friday afternoon it turns into a center of health, educational, and social guidance for mothers.

"The Woman's Voice" congratulates the "Child-Welfare" Society on its new home, and wishes Mrs. Salman and her colleagues steady progress and redoubled activity in the service of destitute childhood...