Boecker® launches the Safe ChildCare™ Certification in collaboration with the Syndicate of Nurseries Owners in Lebanon
- A Pioneer program to establish the highest standards of safety in nurseries
Over the past 18 months, Boecker®, the leading provider of a holistic range of Public Health services in the region, and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health- Britain (CIEH), have strived to develop a model program for certificates of accreditation in nurseries. In this context, Boecker®, under the patronage of the Minister of Public Health, H.E. Mr. Wael Abou Faour and in collaboration with the Union of the Owners of Nurseries in Lebanon, launched the Safe ChildCare™ Certification which is expected to be an important turning point in the regulation of safety and security standards in these institutions on a national level.
The announcement was made as part of a special ceremony held recently at the Eau de Vie restaurant in Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut, and was attended by the representative of the Minister of Public Health, Mrs. Pamela Mansour, who is the Head of Mother and Child Health Unit at the Ministry, Mrs. Rita Karam, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Childhood, Ms. Darine Al-Masri, President of the Canadian company “Kidproof Safety” in Lebanon, as well as members of the Syndicate of Nurseries Owners in Lebanon. The ceremony was also attended by more than 100 nursery owners and managers from various Lebanese regions.
As Mrs. Hala Zakaria, Vice President of the Syndicate, welcomed the guests, Mrs. Hana Joujou , Head of the Syndicate of Nurseries Owners in Lebanon, stressed on the pros of the Syndicate’s work, which follows and prepares a healthy environment for nurseries through its cooperation with leading organizations in the field of health and safety. Throughout the year, the syndicate also organizes seminars for public safety and first aid, and establishes permanent trainings for nurseries and awareness programs for parents.On the same note, Mrs. Pamela Mansour highlighted the positive role the Ministry of Public Health has been following in order to reach a major leap regarding the topic of early childhood care, achieved through constructive communication and merging partnerships with the Syndicate and organizations in order to update security and safety standards and the development of the modern concept of early childhood care.
Mr. Christian Hopper, International Client Advisor, CIEH-UK , praised the strong and strategic relationship with Boecker® which resulted in the launch of the Safe ChildCare ™ Certification, aiming to provide all necessary technical support for nurseries and kindergartens in order to maintain the safety and health of children as well as raise awareness amongst parents.
In this regard, Mr. Michel Bayoud, CEO of Boecker®, introduced the Safe ChildCare ™ Certification through a detailed presentation. This Certification has been designed with the CIEH UK during the past 18 months. it offers nurseries and kindergartens an unparalleled protection of premises through best biosecurity and hygiene practices, undergoing regular safety audits, training the staff and engaging the parents. The subscription of the Safe ChildCare ™ Certification also allows to take advantage of special outreach programs positioned to maintain a safe environment in Lebanese nurseries.
Mr. Bayoud further indicated that this program is the first of its kind in the Middle East, as it helps nurseries in Lebanon to adopt modern scientific methods and offers the professional tools needed for the protection of all present children through an innovative program which will help nurseries overcome various challenges.
Concluding the ceremony, Dr. Greta Sahyoun, under the auspices of Danone Nutricia, delivered a lecture about the impact of proper food on children’s health, while Mrs. Mirelle Charabieh, representative of S-miles organization, lectured the attendees about the early detection of children who suffer from learning difficulties and how to follow up and treat it in cooperation with the nurseries. 