History – OLD

Decades before the founding of Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé, the Maronite Mariamite Order (O.M.M.) embarked on a visionary mission to eradicate illiteracy among Lebanon’s Christian communities, beginning as early as 1736. This groundbreaking commitment formed the cornerstone of Christian education in Lebanon, profoundly shaping the country’s educational landscape and ultimately laying the foundation for the establishment of CNDL.

The Maronite Fathers, driven by an enduring belief in education as a vital catalyst for spiritual growth, personal empowerment, and communal advancement, envisioned a society enriched by knowledge and enlightened faith. Their centuries-long dedication underscores education not merely as academic instruction, but as a profound means of nurturing faith, enhancing individual potential, and fostering community resilience and prosperity.

In 1960, CNDL officially opened its doors, originally serving as an educational institution exclusively designed for seminarians of the Maronite Mariamite Order (O.M.M.) within the convent premises. This foundational chapter marked the humble beginnings of what would rapidly evolve into a prominent educational establishment recognized for both its academic rigor and unwavering commitment to Christian values.

From these origins, deeply rooted in spirituality and Maronite traditions, CNDL quickly broadened its vision and extended its mission, opening its doors to a diverse learner body. This significant step allowed the school to enrich its community impact, transforming into a vibrant center of learning where learners from varied backgrounds come together to achieve academic excellence and personal growth within a nurturing, values-based educational environment.

In 1964, just four years after its inception, CNDL embarked on a pivotal new chapter, welcoming its first cohort of non-seminarian learners. This significant milestone marked CNDL’s transformation from an exclusively seminary-based institution into a dynamic educational center open to the general public.

This visionary shift not only broadened the school’s horizons but also established CNDL as a cornerstone of educational excellence in the region. By embracing learners from diverse cultural, social, and religious backgrounds, the institution cultivated an enriching academic community, fostering unity in diversity, academic distinction, and inclusive values that resonate to this day.

Between 1968 and 1975, CNDL entered a transformative era characterized by substantial campus expansions and forward-thinking pedagogical reforms. Responding to increasing enrollment and evolving educational demands, the institution undertook significant infrastructure developments beginning in 1968, constructing the iconic L-shaped main building, which currently accommodates the French educational section.

By 1975, further growth necessitated another pivotal expansion, reshaping the facility into its now-familiar U-shaped configuration. This architectural evolution symbolized CNDL’s dynamic response to a rapidly growing student population and its dedication to fostering a conducive and inspiring learning environment.

Parallel to its physical expansion, CNDL actively introduced progressive pedagogical reforms aimed at modernizing education, enhancing student engagement, and better meeting diverse learner needs. These reforms positioned the institution at the forefront of educational innovation, reinforcing its longstanding reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development.

The year 1970 marked a moment of pride for CNDL with the first class to pass the official Baccalaureate, achieving a 100% success rate. This success strengthened the school’s reputation as a leading institution, offering a quality education that prepares learners to excel in their higher studies

The 1980s saw the construction of several key infrastructures, including the English section, the administrative building, and the college chapel in 1981. Two years later, in 1983, the CNDL sports club was founded, enriching the school life of learners by offering them opportunities for physical development and camaraderie through various sports activities.

In the 1990s, CNDL continued to innovate by introducing computer science teaching into its school curriculum in 1991, a pioneering initiative at the time. This decade also saw the launch of the Assahira awards in 1993 and the quarterly learner magazine Assahira Al Jawwala in 1995, reflecting the college’s commitment to encouraging learner expression and creativity. In 1997, CNDL inaugurated a new building for kindergarten, thus meeting the needs of its youngest learners.

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by the creation of the Maronite pedagogical office in 2001, as well as the launch of teacher training workshops for Maronite schools in 2004. These initiatives strengthened CNDL’s role as a center of pedagogical excellence within the Maronite community. The official recognition of CNDL’s efforts came in 2014 with the accreditation of the kindergarten, followed by the opening of the French Baccalaureate program in 2015 and the accreditation of cycles 2 and 3 in 2017.