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The stage was theirs—and their ideas brought it to life!On October 3, 2026, 12 students from different schools in Zahlé and the Bekaa shared their visions for the future at the Rotary Youth Education Challenge 2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Zahlé-Békaa at Grand Kadri Hotel – Zahlé.
The big question?
“Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunity or Challenge?”Club Secretary Kareen Sabbagh welcomed school representatives, teachers, jury members, and guests with a thought-provoking question: If AI can give us answers in seconds, how do we encourage young people to keep questioning, thinking, and creating? She highlighted Rotary’s commitment to education, reminding everyone that lasting impact begins with an opportunity offered, a talent supported, and a young voice heard. 
Club President Dr. Badih Hajj Chahine then addressed the students with an encouraging message: “You are all winners!”—recognising the effort and courage each brought to the challenge.
With creativity and enthusiasm, students delivered their PowerPoint presentations, each followed by one question, giving them an opportunity to explain and develop their ideas further.
Then came the moment to celebrate! 
All participants received a Certificate of Appreciation, and our three winners were recognised with cash prizes:
Gold – 1st place: Georges MradCollege St Joseph des soeurs Antonines School, Zahlé–Ksara — $500
Silver – 2nd place: Ibtihaj SalloumSaadnayel Secondary School — $300
Bronze – 3rd place: Nabil JanahQab Elias Private Secondary School — $200
Congratulations to our winners and to all 12 participants for sharing their voices and helping us see the future through their eyes! 
A heartfelt thank-you to our jury members:
• Gaby Abou Haidar, PhD — Associate Professor and Director of AUST Zahlé Campus.
• Hossam Yaktine, PhD in Computer Science — Lecturer at LIU Bekaa.
• Walid Hasna, MBA — Telecommunications Engineer, senior director in Avaya and Assistant Governor for Rotary Year 2026–27.
We thank them for their time, expertise, and thoughtful evaluation, and the participating schools and teachers for supporting and encouraging these young talents.
They shared their ideas. They sparked a conversation. And their voices deserve to be heard. 
Together, we Create Lasting Impact.
