In the village of Al-Khalwat, in Mount Lebanon’s Metn El Aala, Iskandar Imad, co-founder of “Gharset Kheir“, organized the “Peace on Pumpkin” initiative—bringing together over 120 participants, including 25 artists, for a day rooted in sustainable agriculture, self-sufficient economy, creativity, dialogue, and community engagement.
The event raised awareness within the community about the importance of sustainable agriculture in building economic and social resilience and in supporting self-sufficiency—a vital message for a country facing ongoing and overlapping crises.
It also emphasized the role of community members and local leaders in promoting this approach as a practical solution to mitigate crisis and foster lasting peace and stability. In essence, the pumpkin became a symbol and a call for a sustainable, local economy.
As part of the artistic activities, artists led a therapeutic painting session where community members created canvas artworks depicting stories of hope and dreams.
The community also explored the versatility of pumpkins. Local women’s associations prepared more than 1.5 tons of pumpkin in traditional dishes—kibbeh, soup, and jam. Over 1,000 hot meals were distributed to vulnerable groups, including elderly and children, in partnership with organizations such as Roboona Aley, Bayt al Yatim al Durzi, Holmouna in Bzebdine, and Dar al Aytem al Islamiye in Shemlane—a powerful act of community solidarity and care.
Later, artists, farmers, and residents took part in meaningful conversations about sustainability, agriculture, economy, and the role of faith and leadership in supporting such grassroots efforts. Sheikh Iyad Abdallah, Sheikh Fadel Slim, and Hassan Fawaz led interfaith dialogues exploring how faith can play a key role in peacebuilding, bridging divisions and fostering prosperity. These conversations underscored how peace, sustainability, and economic resilience are deeply connected.
“Gharset Kheir” (A Seed of Goodness), is a project dedicated to preserving and expanding Lebanon’s heirloom seed stock. These native seeds are nutritionally rich and critical for food security, while also helping small farmers lower production costs, increase yields, and safeguard Lebanon’s agricultural heritage. The project also aims to make these seeds globally accessible.
Peace on Pumpkin: Planting Seeds of Unity, Art, and Sustainable Change
In the village of Al-Khalwat, in Mount Lebanon’s Metn El Aala, Iskandar Imad, co-founder of “Gharset Kheir“, organized the “Peace on Pumpkin” initiative—bringing together over 120 participants, including 25 artists, for a day rooted in sustainable agriculture, self-sufficient economy, creativity, dialogue, and community engagement.
The event raised awareness within the community about the importance of sustainable agriculture in building economic and social resilience and in supporting self-sufficiency—a vital message for a country facing ongoing and overlapping crises.
It also emphasized the role of community members and local leaders in promoting this approach as a practical solution to mitigate crisis and foster lasting peace and stability. In essence, the pumpkin became a symbol and a call for a sustainable, local economy.
As part of the artistic activities, artists led a therapeutic painting session where community members created canvas artworks depicting stories of hope and dreams.
The community also explored the versatility of pumpkins. Local women’s associations prepared more than 1.5 tons of pumpkin in traditional dishes—kibbeh, soup, and jam. Over 1,000 hot meals were distributed to vulnerable groups, including elderly and children, in partnership with organizations such as Roboona Aley, Bayt al Yatim al Durzi, Holmouna in Bzebdine, and Dar al Aytem al Islamiye in Shemlane—a powerful act of community solidarity and care.
Later, artists, farmers, and residents took part in meaningful conversations about sustainability, agriculture, economy, and the role of faith and leadership in supporting such grassroots efforts. Sheikh Iyad Abdallah, Sheikh Fadel Slim, and Hassan Fawaz led interfaith dialogues exploring how faith can play a key role in peacebuilding, bridging divisions and fostering prosperity. These conversations underscored how peace, sustainability, and economic resilience are deeply connected.
“Gharset Kheir” (A Seed of Goodness), is a project dedicated to preserving and expanding Lebanon’s heirloom seed stock. These native seeds are nutritionally rich and critical for food security, while also helping small farmers lower production costs, increase yields, and safeguard Lebanon’s agricultural heritage. The project also aims to make these seeds globally accessible.
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