History of Brummana High School and BHS-Cultural Society
The start of Brummana High School by the Quakers
Over a century ago, the Society of Friends made commitment to be involved in Lebanon in education and healthcare. They started Brummana High School, another school in Ras El Metn, a hospital in Brummana, and the Lebanon Hospital for Mental Health and Nervous Disorders in Asfourieh.
At the educational level, the marriage between the British Culture and the local culture coupled with the Quaker ideals found a fertile soil that has indeed become a necessity in the life of the school.
At the health care level, the Hospital in Brummana was adopted by the American University of Beirut as the teaching and training base for the summer term.
The Hospital for Mental Health and Nervous Disorders was a pioneer in the field in Lebanon and was affiliated with the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine.
In 1975, war overtook Lebanon. The period of growth of the school ended and it lost many of its boarders, staff and day students. It went bankrupt in 1984.
Handing Over of the School
In 1985, the British Quakers totally withdrew from the School operation and turned the management over to the new Cultural Society, formed of former BHS students, and others committed to the school.
“The society of Friends has now thought it appropriate to hand over responsibilities to the sons and daughters of BHS. Those of us who have been called upon to start the Cultural Society feel the weight and seriousness of this responsibility”
Read complete speech by Dr. Semaan on the occasion of the Handover of the School to the BHS-Cultural Society.
“Friends believe that there should be local responsibility for the running of affairs. [..] In spite of the problems facing Lebanon at this time, British Friends believe that the Lebanese people are ready, capable and best fitted to undertake the running of the Brummana High School. A new Cultural Society has been setup and is assuming total responsibility for the school.”
“Friends of London Yearly Meeting pray for the school’s success, particularly at this important period in its history.”
Read complete article from the Meeting for Sufferings, September 13th, 1985
Official Documents:
Handover Agreement (PDF) on July 29th, 1985
Registration (PDF) in the Ministry of Interior.
Transfering Back to the Quakers
Peace returned, and in 1998, the British Quakers resumed management of the school, working through a new local Board to begin the process of post-war development.
In May 1998, a fund of $1.6 million was handed over by the BHS Cultural Society to the Quakers to cover indemnities of the teachers and personnel and other school expenses.
Continued Support to BHS Students
Funds have been established at the Brummana High School, AUB, NDU and LAU with the yearly interest to be distributed by BHS Cultural Society to former BHS students as bursaries and excellence awards.