BBAC (Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries s.a.l.) represented by its Chairman General Manager Sheikh Ghassan Assaf and the ‘Social Work League’ represented by its president Mrs. Souheir Abou Zeki Abi Farraj have jointly signed, at the annual dinner held by the League at "Habtoor Grand Hotel" – Beirut, a cooperation protocol aiming at helping the Lebanese students in need of a financial assistance to pursue their higher education goals by making university funding simple and stress- free.

The new education initiative provides soft loans up to the amount of 2 billion LBP enabling students to cover their tuition fees at zero interest rate during their entire study period at the university, with a repayment period of up to 10 years starting one year from the student's graduation date at an annual interest rate of 3%.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Assaf was presented with an honorary shield by Mrs. Abi Farraj as a token of appreciation and gratitude for his efforts in supporting the education in Lebanon.

On the occasion, Sheikh Assaf spoke of the relation between BBAC and the ‘Social Work League’ which dates back to the days of Sheikh Toufic Assaf, the late founder of the Bank, who was one of the first people to collaborate with the League across various social and education initiatives. He also expressed his wish to see more local banks and social institutions joining efforts to offer similar initiatives that would touch a wider segment of students, and consequently raise the educational and social level in the different regions of Lebanon.