Success of the 3rd Edition of the Dictée Verte: A National Mobilization for Peace, Eco-Citizenship, and the French Language

On the occasion of the International Day of Living Together in Peace, the Chair of “Fondation Diane” for Education on Eco-Citizenship and Sustainable Development (CEEDD), in partnership with l’Institut Français du Liban, organized the 3rd edition of the “Dictée Verte” competition on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Campus of Human Sciences (CSH) of Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ).

This edition saw exceptional participation, with nearly 500 students from various schools across Lebanon, they sang the national anthem with remarkable enthusiasm. Divided among 13 classrooms, students were guided by 13 readers and supervised by 13 inspectors, proving a smooth and well-structured organization.

Held from 4 PM to 7 PM, the dictation was conceived as a chance of learning and reflection around the values of living together, coexistence, and eco-citizenship. Through a text rich in meaning, students were invited to explore these themes through the richness of the French language, a vehicle for peace and intercultural dialogue. This was illustrated in the following extract from the dictation:
‘In a country like Lebanon, multi-confessional and multicultural, this issue takes on a vital dimension. Marked by a painful history of civil wars, religious conflicts, and identity fractures, Lebanon has too often seen its differences, manipulated by harmful political opportunism, become sources of rejection and violence. The refusal of the other, simply because they belong to a different community or think differently, has been misused to ignite conflicts, weaken the social fabric, and hinder the building of a true common Lebanese citizenship. It is essential to learn to see difference in others as a wealth, not a threat.’

The event aimed to raise awareness among younger generations while highlighting the importance of education as a tool for transformation. The dictation, as a competition, succeeded in combining academic excellence with civic engagement.

The Chair CEEDD warmly thanks all participating schools, l’Institut Français du Liban, teachers, readers, invigilators, and USJ staff for their commitment to this initiative full of hope.