In Lebanon, "many schools will not be ready to reopen in September"

In Lebanon, numerous schools will not be ready to reopen in September, according to a national assessment conducted by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with technical support from UNICEF. The evaluation, carried out in June, found that 340 educational institutions have been damaged or destroyed since the start of the war, including 17 completely razed. At least 100,000 children risk being unable to return to class if repairs are not completed in time. The conflict, which began on March 2 between Hezbollah and Israel, has disrupted schooling for thousands of students, while many schools remain damaged or continue to host displaced families. The ongoing violence and displacement have severely impacted the education system. Schools have been hit by airstrikes, forcing students to miss classes and leaving many buildings unusable. In some areas, schools serve as temporary shelters for families fleeing the conflict. This dual role of educational facilities has created additional challenges, as they struggle to provide both safety and learning environments. The situation has worsened due to limited access to digital devices and internet, further hindering remote learning efforts. Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF’s representative in Lebanon, highlighted the critical importance of ensuring safe spaces for children to learn. He noted that the education system has faced repeated interruptions due to years of crisis, displacement, and conflict. The current challenge is to guarantee that each child can return to a secure environment once the new academic year begins in September. Corsi emphasized that schools are more than just buildings, they are essential spaces where children gain knowledge, feel safe, and reconnect with peers. UNICEF is working closely with the Ministry of Education to assess all schools used as collective shelters and those damaged during the war. These evaluations aim to determine which establishments can reopen by September and what work remains necessary. Each school undergoes a detailed review, with interventions ranging from minor repairs to extensive structural rehabilitation or complete rebuilding. Given the scale of damage, significant financial investments and coordinated efforts among multiple partners will be required. Despite these challenges, there is optimism that the majority of schools that served as shelters could reopen in September. However, due to the extent of destruction, many schools will not be prepared by that time. In the most affected areas, UNICEF and the ministry are exploring the establishment of alternative learning spaces to ensure continuity of education. These alternatives may include mobile classrooms, community centers, or other temporary solutions designed to accommodate displaced students. Immediate action is needed to prevent an entire generation from missing out on education. Priorities include restoring damaged schools and those used as shelters so they can resume their functions. The cost of these repairs is estimated in the millions of dollars. Additionally, securing long-term funding and support from international organizations and governments will be crucial to rebuild the education infrastructure and restore normalcy for students. The situation underscores the urgent need for resources and collaboration to address the complex challenges facing Lebanon's education sector.