UNICEF and Lebanese Government Initiate School Reopening Amidst Conflict.

UNICEF: In a collaborative effort, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) are facilitating the return of approximately 387,000 children in Lebanon to educational activities. This includes children residing in shelters and communities impacted by the ongoing conflict, with the initiative commencing today, 4 November 2024. The program is part of an emergency response aimed at reopening 326 public schools not currently utilized as shelters by internally displaced persons (IDPs), thereby ensuring that school-age children have access to education. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the response plan seeks to provide essential educational support during these challenging times while enabling public schools to function effectively. Funding from the Lebanese Ministry of Education/UNICEF Transition Resilience Education Fund (TREF) will be directed towards these schools to procure necessary teaching materials, including textbooks, and to offer critical psychosocial support and healt h screenings to help children deal with the conflict's repercussions. UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder, emphasized the dire impact of the conflict on children's education and overall well-being. He stated that reversing the current situation is crucial to avoid a lost academic year, which could severely affect children's future prospects and the country's recovery. Beigbeder highlighted the importance of returning to school for providing much-needed social and emotional stability to children during these turbulent times. The resumption of the school year, initially planned for early October, faced delays due to the conflict. The reopening of public schools presents considerable challenges, as approximately 60 percent of shelters for displaced families are situated in schools. Moreover, many teachers and students have been displaced from their regular educational institutions. With UNICEF's assistance, the 326 public schools will provide quality in-person and blended learning opportunitie s, enabling children and youth to catch up and continue their educational journeys. Additionally, MEHE's digital platform will facilitate online learning. The initiative will also focus on integrating special interventions for children with disabilities, girls, and refugees to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all children. Beigbeder reiterated the need to protect educational and civilian infrastructure during this period and called for an immediate and enduring ceasefire to allow children to resume their education and return to normalcy.