Al-Makassed is a non-governmental Association, established ~150 years ago. It provides services within three main sectors: Education, Social Services and Healthcare. The Directorate of Educational Affairs is the educational and administrative reference for all 24 Makassed schools located in Beirut, the Beqaa Valley and North Lebanon, most of which are subsidized in the elementary levels. It is responsible for the annual academic strategic planning and therefore reflects Makassed’s values and views about schools’ purpose and direction. It provides schools and administrations with consultation services while developing and strengthening 21st century skills to all the educational staff. The Directorate follows a governance system built on pillars of collaboration, equality, accountability and transparency. Based on a motto of “A Culture of Continuous Improvement”, the Directorate focuses on better outcomes for schools through improvement strategies and initiatives that have the greatest impact on student learning and that strengthen Makassed’s presence on national and international forums.