Beirut, Lebanon – WIDER proudly announces its support of the students enrolled in the University Diploma in Mountain Skills and Outdoor Activities at Antonine University. As part of its ongoing commitment to community development and investing in the leaders of tomorrow, WIDER is delivering specialized courses within the program, with a focus on communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder management.

This impactful partnership reflects WIDER’s belief that true value is created when knowledge meets purpose. By sharing its expertise, WIDER is helping shape a new generation of responsible, skilled, and emotionally intelligent mountain and outdoor practitioners equipped to serve Lebanon’s natural and social landscapes.

This diploma program is designed to prepare students for a range of vital roles, including mountain guides, program trainers, social entrepreneurs, and outdoor activity monitors. Through a balanced curriculum of theoretical knowledge, hands-on fieldwork, and a mandatory internship, students graduate with the ability to lead, guide, and protect in diverse outdoor environments, from serene valleys to challenging mountain terrains.

This program prepares students to become leaders in outdoor education, mountain guiding, environmental stewardship, and community service. Integrating practical fieldwork, safety protocols, sustainability principles, and leadership skills, the program is a first-of-its-kind in the region.

“At WIDER, we believe in the power of education, not just to inform, but to transform,” according to Joe Moarkech, CEO of WIDER Group. “Our involvement in this unique diploma program aligns with our mission to cultivate leaders who are not only technically proficient, but also grounded in strong ethical values and the ability to connect, inspire, and influence,” he added.

WIDER’s contribution focuses on a range of transformative soft-skills courses that include:

• Profiling and effective communication with diverse personality types
• Leadership and influence in high-pressure environments
• Emotional intelligence as a guiding principle for teamwork and decision-making
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies
• Cross-cultural awareness and ethical considerations
• Coaching fundamentals for group dynamics in the outdoors

These skillsets are essential for students who will be leading groups in complex environments, managing safety, and representing Lebanon’s rich natural heritage on a global stage.

“This partnership illustrates the synergy between academic rigor and industry relevance, and we are honored to play a role in shaping such an important initiative,” added Moarkech.

WIDER Group remains deeply committed to its values of “World Standard for Local Excellence,” “Customization as the best way to provide value,” and “Providing value through values.” By contributing to programs that empower the youth, promote sustainability, and protect Lebanon’s mountainous ecosystems, WIDER continues to live its mission of investing in people for the greater good.