 the number of companies and NGOs that deal with ecotourism in Lebanon.
“For instance, since we started in 2002 as a hiking club, there were just two or three such clubs all over Lebanon. Nowadays the country is full of them,” Noon added.
In addition to exploring and preserving nature, ecotourism is about rural development and cultural conservation. “With each hiking trip, we foster strong relations between different individuals and institutions from various villages across Lebanon. In other words, our hikes are not just aimed to be sportive and touristic events, but are also sustainable development initiatives,” Noon said.
He said endeavors such as opening hiking trails in the steep mountainous area off the coastal town of Batroun, north of Beirut, helped bring in visitors and revive economic activity in the villages of the region.
Another example of empowerment of the rural community was the rehabilitation of an old house in the remote area of Hermel, in east Lebanon, which was turned into a guesthouse for hikers and backpackers, Mukhaiber said.
Local residents were given courses in hospitality and tourism; male residents were trained to become certified guides and women received “herb picking” and cooking classes using the herbs, Mukhaiber added.
Noon unveiled plans to offer ecotourism packages aimed at attracting foreigners and Lebanese, both residents and expatriates. “The market is there, the high supply in the natural reserves and beautiful landscapes of our country has always been there … and so has the demand for ecotourism,” he said.
As there is no state control over activities harming the environment, no public support for ecotourism endeavors, insecurity and poor awareness, Mukhaiber is less optimistic and foresees an uphill battle.
“Unfortunately, ecotourism is still a trend, not a culture in Lebanon, but that will not discourage nature lovers from spreading the culture of conservation and respect for the natural heritage,” Mukhaiber said.
The classic row house reconceived into the coolest place to live in the Grove! Thoroughly gut-rehabbed 5 years ago, this fee simple home features the charm of an historic building and the convenience and comfort of new construction. Large windows and an open floor plan make the first floor airy and bright. Clean lines allow for any style of decor you wish to cultivate in your new home. Plenty of space in the kitchen makes cooking and entertaining more fun than ever! With a half bath on the 1st floor you can keep your 2nd floor a completely personal space. The private backyard is perfect for practicing your gardening skills or simply creating another living space. It's also the perfect urban dog oasis. Situated at the end of a quiet street, this home is also just around the corner from the hot spots in the Grove. You'll also be very close to Cortex, Wash U Medical complex, the Central West End, and access to Highway 40. St. Louis's Midtown is thriving and it's where you want to be!
Oman Programmes
Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies delivers two Nursing Programmes at the Oman Specialised Nursing Institute (OSNI) in Muscat, Oman. The programmes are the result of a close collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Oman.
Bsc (Hons) in Nursing Studies
The BSc (Hons) in Nursing Studies (Overseas) is delivered over 42 weeks, It is divided into the following 4 modules:
- Module 1 - Evidence Based Nursing Practice
- Module 2 - Person Centred Communication
- Module 3 - Health Promotion
- Module 4 - Developing Leadership in Professional Nursing Practice
Students attend the programme at the Oman Specialised Nursing Institute (OSNI) in Muscat, Oman. The taught component of all modules is delivered by Cardiff University, School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies (SONMS) staff. The modules are delivered in a linear progression, commencing with module 1 through to module 4. The full time programme is delivered over a 42 week period, the first two weeks of which is an induction/study skills programme. Annual leave is negotiated through the Ministry of Health and included within the timetable.
The programme content is primarily taught by staff from the SONMS at the Oman Specialised Nursing Institute (OSNI) and provides intensive teaching blocks to cover the learning outcomes and content of each module. OSNI staff conduct seminars and provides advice and support to students. Students are expected to undertake self directed study during each of the modules. Personal academic supervision is available throughout each module by a designated personal tutor from SONMS, via electronic supervision. OSNI mentors are also available for formative advice and pastoral support.
BSc (Hons) in Community Health Nursing Practice
This programme has been developed specifically to meet the needs of community nurses working in Oman at the request of the Ministry of Health. The programme is run full time over one year and is equally divided between 50% theory and 50% clinical practice.
The aim of the programme is to provide nurses with a clear understanding of the context of community nursing practice and the evidence base underpinning safe and effective care in community settings. The programme has been developed at a time when healthcare organisations the world over are recognising the importance of primary care and the role of community nurses.
Cardiff University SONMS has a strong track record of preparing qualified nurses to work in community settings and the theoretical elements of this programme will be delivered in the Oman Specialist Nursing Institute (OSNI) by academic staff from SONMS, with the school taking responsibility for overseeing the supervision of students’ assessments, internal and external examination, evaluation and quality assurance of the programme and decisions about the final award.
A programme co-ordinator based in OSNI liaises closely with the CU SONMS with regard to arranging appropriate clinical placements and assessment of clinical outcomes. Application of knowledge within the clinical environment through achievement of clinical learning outcomes will be facilitated with the support of a clinical mentor. Clinical mentors work together with the programme co-ordinator to ensure all students have a high quality clinical experience. Main placements are within primary health care centres and include home visiting experience as well as the opportunity to explore other aspects of primary care.
The programme consists of 4 mandatory modules:
- Module 1 - Fundamentals of Community Practice
- Module 2 - Diabetes Care and Management
- Module 3 - Promoting Health and Managing Chronic Conditions
- Module 4 - Advancing Community Nursing Practice (Dissertation)
How to apply:
Applications are welcome from Omani Nurses. Please visit the University's Online Application Service to apply for the above programmes.
For more information:
Oman Specialised Nursing Institute:osnidget@hotmail.com
Meryl Jones (BSc Nursing Studies): JonesM2@Cardiff.ac.uk
Judith Carrier (BSc Community Health Nursing Practice): CarrierJA@Cardiff.ac.ukI just woke up from my nap (it seems I do quite a lot of napping here at CYSN). I couldn’t sleep last night due to the anticipation of my youngest starting Kindy today. I didn’t want to go to bed and not be able to sleep, full of anxiety on thoughts of how today would go. So Hubby stayed up with me and we played “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” app until I was sleepy enough – I did still wake up in the middle of the night though.
I cried my eyes out this morning after I said goodbye to him, comforted by Hubby and my older son ❤ I managed to take only one picture of him before the battery died on my camera and was thankful it was a great shot.
We are transitioning him into school by having shorter days these next 2 days. Hubby was to be on standby incase the school called if he was too distressed. He didn’t get any calls and my heart eased a bit more as the morning progressed. Hubby was told that Zach was giving high-5s to the staff during the school tour and was in good spirit.
When he was picked up after a few hours, Hubby told me he was eating his morning tea with his classmates (that was a bit of a worry too whether he was going to have anything to eat at all), so that was great! These pictures were captured by his teacher who let me know that Zach had a great morning and eased into his activities without any distress.
He came home to me with the biggest smile and said “School is fun!” My heart eased and knew what I knew in my heart of hearts … that he will be Okay!
I guess the anxiety had built up for over a year and a half when we decided to delay him starting Kindy, but glad we did as I believe he wouldn’t have handled it as well if we started last year. After knowing the great day that was had, Hubby and I looked at each other and smiled. We tried to nap on the couch before picking up our older boy and realised how tiring it is to be worrying parents.
This entry was posted in Events, Josh & Zach and tagged Kindy, school, Zach. Bookmark the permalink.
If these ads were honest they’d go something like this.

This poor charity director is in despair. His Merc is six months old and he has no idea where to get the money to replace it. He’s hungry after his morning meeting with politicians over-ran and he’s got to manage on a five course expense-account lunch. Housing is a constant worry, this month he has to pay for his new swimming pool installation and he’ll struggle to make ends meet. 

Pleas give just £3 a