(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Baldati.com, Lebanon’s first social media website, is working to re-connect Lebanese villagers and expatriates to their homeland by encouraging village residents and natives to join their e-community.
Baldati launched in 2002 with a goal to virtually connect Lebanese natives and the diaspora with their home village in Lebanon by creating an account and sharing news, events, and media on the e-community page.
Chaker Noon, founder of Baldati, says the site has 1,468 village communities and several sub-projects and programs.
“Residents have a role to promote their village and submit news, photos, and videos on their page and stay in touch with each other,” he said. “Villagers now have a voice to give their opinions and engage in their community’s dialogue.”
Besides the benefit of civic participation, Noon says the dialogue serves as a regional media tool that promotes a more pleasant side of Lebanon.
“The people of Lebanon have a more accessible chance to reveal their questions, concerns, ideas, and plans for future development,” he said. “This is about promoting the natural charms of Lebanese villages through the simplicity of community dialogue.”
Baldati also promotes rural development projects, including wildlife tourism packages, hiking trips, youth engagement, and renewable energy programs.
“You shouldn’t have to run for office to be engaged in your community,” Noon added.
After first launching in 2002, Noon began leading a small group of hikers to his hometown of Mayfouk, where he was inspired to launch a more comprehensive NGO that focused on sustainable energy and economic development in Lebanese villages.
Since then, Baldati has included every Lebanese village as part of its digital footprint — moving Lebanon into the Twenty-First Century.
There’s nothing like the charm of Baldati, or ‘My Village’.
To learn more about the organization and to join your e-community, visit Baldati.com.