Lebanese students continue to face significant challenges in achieving their dream of education, despite the harsh conditions imposed by the war that erupted on March 2, 2026, between Hezbollah and Israel. These students live in displacement centers and use offline tablets to follow their lessons, threatening their educational futures.
Ahmad Malhim, a seventeen-year-old student, attends classes in a hall that has been converted into a shelter for displaced families in a school in Beirut. Malhim says, "We are trying with all available means to continue our education until we achieve what we want... I don’t want to regret not completing my studies despite the difficult circumstances." These words reflect the determination of students to learn amid crises.
Details of the Situation
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), around 500,000 students have had to leave their schools due to the war, with more than 350 public schools converted into shelters. Schools located in areas affected by Israeli bombardment have closed their doors, exacerbating the suffering of students.
Malhim, who was displaced with his family from the southern suburbs of Beirut, recounts how they risked returning to their homes to retrieve their school books after settling in the shelter. At Lycée Abdel Kader, Malhim shares a classroom with several families, separated by a plastic curtain, reflecting the reality of education amid displacement.
Background & Context
Concerns are growing about the future of education in Lebanon, as a 2023 World Bank report indicated that every day of closure of public schools costs the Lebanese economy approximately $3 million. This situation reflects a larger crisis in the Lebanese educational system, which suffers from a lack of resources and funding.
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF, is striving to provide remote education, but many public schools lack the necessary resources for this. The ministry has launched a platform for recorded lessons and a hotline titled "Call and Learn," but these solutions are insufficient to bridge the significant digital divide in the country.
Impact & Consequences
Education is a fundamental right for every child, but the war in Lebanon threatens this right. Atef Rafiq, head of the education department at UNICEF in Lebanon, expressed concern about the future of students, especially adolescent girls, warning of potential risks such as early marriage.
In a shelter in Dekwaneh, Aya Zahran (17 years old) spends her day preparing food, saying, "We have one phone that we share to follow education, but the link the school sent us doesn’t work." These testimonies reflect the daily difficulties students face in their attempts to continue their education.
Regional Significance
The education crisis in Lebanon is an example of the challenges faced by many Arab countries amid armed conflicts. Children are the most affected by these crises, threatening their future and that of their countries. Education is the foundation for building communities, and any disruption can lead to long-term consequences.
In conclusion, hope remains pinned on the ability of Lebanese students to overcome these hardships and their commitment to the dream of education despite all difficulties. They represent a model of will and determination in the face of crises, calling for international community support to help them achieve a better future.