(DETROIT, MI) — At the end of June, three Lebanese-Americans from Detroit will join a group of fifteen Lebanese North Americans on a trip to Beirut, Lebanon, as part of the “Back to Roots Summer Academy.”
Back to Roots is a two-week program that introduces North Americans of Lebanese descent to the “natural beauty, rich culture, historical significance, and political landscape” in Lebanon.
All expenses including lodging and transportation are covered, except for international flight reservations, according to Anthony Sader, assistant U.S. Director of Back to Roots.
“Typically, (the participants) wake up bright and early, they might have a lecture from a professor or somebody who is educated on a certain subject. Then we travel and meet other prominent people, like the patriarch, president, and other important leaders,” Sader said.
When asked if the participants will meet the Lebanese president this year, Sader smirked. “We’ll see if we have one.”
Back to Roots is funded by the Lebanese Information Center (LIC), an independent, non-profit research institute headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The group is “non-religious” and “non-political,” according to Sader.
Fundraisers across the country are hosted year-round to collect donations to pay for the summer program. The Midwest chapter recently hosted a fundraiser at Alexander’s Lebanese Cuisine in Warren. Click here to see photos.
If you’re interested in learning more information about Back to Roots, visit BTRLebanon.org. For donation information, click here.