I wish to see myself touring the world with Gibran’s Original Paintings - Hoda Zohrob, Gibran National Committee Office Manager

 

I WISH TO SEE MYSELF TOURING THE WORLD WITH GIBRAN’S ORIGINAL PAINTINGS - HODA ZOHROB, GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OFFICE MANAGER

 

Hoda Zohrob is the current Office Manager at the Gibran National Committee in Beirut Lebanon. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shared with him details about her work and thoughts about Khalil Gibran

WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE

HZ: My name is Hoda Zohrob from Lebanon.  I am the current Office Manager at the Gibran National Committee in Beirut.  I have worked with many Nationalities in Lebanon and abroad. Most positions I occupied in the diplomatic and private sectors were social, consular, administrative, and commercial.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AT THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: My duties as Office Manager include handling, organizing, participating and reporting local and International activities and projects such as:  exhibitions, conferences, seminars and general cultural events.  For instance, I had the chance to participate in an event organized by the American Embassy in Lebanon. The programme was a cultural event about Gibran Khalil Gibran in 2017 which took place at H. Ex. Mrs. Elizabeth Richard’s residence and follow up with "The Prophet" animation movie project.  I also handle literary and artistic issues that are related to the use of quotes and copies of original paintings of Gibran.

WA: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORK AT THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: My most exciting work is when organizing an exhibition, showcasing original paintings, manuscripts and personal belongings of Gibran abroad.

As you know, Gibran is revered worldwide. Gibran Khalil Gibran is known as a poet, writer, and philosopher, so organizing such event is exciting because it reflects Gibran’s spirituality, deep understanding of human and life, and reveals his sensitiveness.

WA: WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORK WEEK LIKE?

HZ: Reading and replying emails that are most related to the use of quotes and copies of original paintings of Gibran also assisting students, film makers, writers,  teachers, cultural institutions and ministries who are preparing projects related to Gibran too.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AT GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: Dealing with any violation of any kind that can harm our mission which is to represent Gibran professionally at the highest levels and achieving big projects related to our mission perfectly.

WA: HOW ARE THEY FINANCING GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: Majorly, our income comes from the sold books of Gibran and the entry fees for excursions paid to the Gibran Museum by visitors.

WA: WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM? WHO ARE YOUR DONORS?

HZ: As I previously mentioned, having an exhibition of original paintings abroad is usually funded but such event doesn’t occur frequently. It takes place once in two years. Also researchers always pay for the use of original paintings of Gibran used for their research and projects. We got some little fund through that too. As for donors, we sometimes receive little donations from a local NGO.

WA: HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGED THE OUTREACH WORK OF THE MUSEUM?

HZ: Social media plays a very important and vital role in the dissemination of information in GNC. Social media shortens distances by all means. Presently, we have an active and multimedia website which documented and showcased information about GNC. We also have an active Facebook page and other social media platforms which we always use to convey information and publicize our events. Currently, we are elaborating our own projects in which visitors will be able to tour Gibran Museum behind screens but this project needs more time to be realized.

WA: IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW?

HZ: Yes, I am a friendly and practical person. I love people, I love collaboration that leads to realizing beautiful  projects of mutual benefits and I wish people love each other too so we can live in a better world with no conflicts. It is Gibran who said ’You are a human being and I have loved you, my brother’.

WA: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

HZ: In five years time, I wish to see myself touring the world with Gibran’s original paintings.