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Children in Lebanon are facing “near-catastrophic” gaps in their schooling due to the recent war and years of successive crises, a report has warned.
A handful of Lebanon’s government schools had begun to reopen amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. But the war has brought Lebanon’s already crumbling education system to near collapse.
Since 2018, pupils in Lebanese state schools have missed more than 760 teaching days due to war, strikes, disruption and closures, according to a report by the Centre for Lebanese Studies and the University of Cambridge’s REAL Centre.
This amounts to two thirds of missed schooling for the past six years. The pandemic, the collapse of Lebanon’s financial sector and prolonged strikes by teachers whose livelihoods vanished with the devaluation of the Lebanese currency, all contributed to school closures.
About 40 per cent of children drop out before they reach high school, or grade 9.
Experts fear that without appropriate government action and international support, gaps in education could continue to widen, in particular for displaced children and those from refugees families.
Maha Shuayb, the report’s co-author, told The National: “My biggest concern is: are we preparing for the next crisis? How can we build a resilient educational system that can sustain the shocks?
“The war has deepened learning losses that were already near-catastrophic. Without thorough response planning, existing inequalities will become more entrenched, leaving entire sections of the younger generation behind."
Amid the crisis, the government and international agencies must continue to provide education “in whatever form it may be”, said Yusuf Sayed, professor of education at the University of Cambridge.
These views were echoed by Pauline Rose, REAL Centre director, who said: “Education should not be an afterthought in times of crisis, it is vital to future stability."
But the report authors said educators should also work towards making their schools more inclusive to accommodate displaced and disabled children, and better equipped to deal with the trauma experienced by pupils and teachers, to make sure nobody is left behind.
Uncertain return
The conflict, which is in hiatus, has affected more than 1 million children and 45,000 teachers, the report estimates.
Skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah since last October disrupted schooling for months in southern Lebanon.
Israel then launched its ground invasion of the south in October this year and intensified aerial attacks, displacing more than 1.3 million residents. This led to the closure of almost three quarters of Lebanese government schools: 40 per cent were turned to shelters and 30 per cent were within the zones of fighting.
The Lebanese government said schools would reopen in early November. In a phased plan, 350 schools not used as shelters reopened last month for 175,000 pupils, 38,000 of whom had been displaced. More are set to reopen with the current ceasefire in place.
But harsh realities on the ground tell a different story. About one third of those displaced have been unable to return to their devastated villages. In some cases there is no home to go back to, and in others, Israeli control of a 5km buffer zone on the Lebanese border prevents any return. “What support is the government planning? What will happen to the education of these children?” Prof Shuayb said.
There have also been cases of displaced children being turned away from other state schools in the communities that are hosting them. Prof Shuayb said a stronger plan to make sure these children were integrated into new schools was needed. “Will these children be welcomed, how are we going to address issues around social cohesion?” she said.
The schools were not yet equipped to provide mental health support for children traumatised by war, and the displaced. “It’s part of that provision to provide psychosocial support or trauma support, so that the school becomes a safe space,” Prof Sayed said.
Lebanon’s government schools have long been seen as a “last resort” for parents, who prefer to send their children to private schools, a portion of which are low cost, or free.
But the financial crisis led many families to turn to state schools, which have been closed more often than not over the past six years.
Unicef Lebanon’s director Amal Obeid spoke of the risks to young people’s education in an appeal in London last week. “Kids dropping out of education is a trend that started happening after the economic crisis,” she told guests of the Lebanese embassy.
Families said they have faced further financial difficulties since the war started, meaning many more turning to state schools, or pupils dropping out entirely. Syrian refugees and disabled children are likely to be disproportionately affected, the report said.
Close to half a million Syrian refugees in Lebanon are children of school age. But they face discrimination and struggle to enrol for government school programmes. Currently, 110,000 Syrian children are enrolled in state schools, while 97,000 attend private schools and 60,000 take part in non-formal education programmes.
Despite the challenges, Syrian parents were statistically more likely to resume their children’s schooling (78 per cent), and more than half (52 per cent) of Syrian parents described education as high priority for their families.
The report estimates up to 5,000 children with disabilities could be out of school. Some parents were reluctant to send those children back due to the lack of inclusive provision.
Teachers
Teachers have also been affected by the war, with many displaced or struggling financially. The report warns that more needs to be done to protect teachers and equip them with the skills to deal with traumatised children.
About two thirds of teachers (66 per cent) said the war had reduced their incomes while living costs were rising.
Fewer than one in five teachers from the areas affected by the war considered restarting school “a high priority”. They also tended to prefer online learning, often for safety reasons, while those in less disrupted regions felt better prepared to resume education in the classroom.
Before the war, most state schoolteachers in Lebanon left the profession or emigrated after the financial crisis.
Long-term effects
It can take years for children and young people to catch up on disrupted education.
But the ramifications of not doing so are far reaching, said Prof Sayed. “The immediate consequence is the loss of hope. Young children lose hope in the future,” he said. "When they lose hope in the future, you have a problem on your side."
In the long term, Lebanon is in danger of having a “whole generation without learning”, a huge loss to resource skills in the country, Prof Sayed said. “We’re creating the problems of tomorrow,” he added.
The wars in Lebanon, Gaza and Sudan feature such a large and unprecedented scale that he fears their potential impacts cannot yet be fully understood, “even from a research point of view”.
The study was undertaken at the end of October and involved a survey of 1,151 parents and teachers – many of whom were living in displacement shelters without proper access to internet – supplemented with focus groups and interviews.
Researchers found 303 public schools were running in-person learning and 297 operating online, but in conflict-hit regions such as Baalbek-Hermel, Nabatieh and the wider south Lebanon area barely any were open for learning in the classroom.
Racecard
6.35pm: American Business Council – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.10pm: British Business Group – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,200m
7.45pm: CCI France UAE – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
8.20pm: Czech Business Council – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,400m
8.55pm: Netherlands Business Council – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
9.30pm: Indian Business and Professional Council – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed
Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.
Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.
The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.
One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.
That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.
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match info
Chelsea 2
Willian (13'), Ross Barkley (64')
Liverpool 0
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England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)
New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
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if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
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French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
If you go
- The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
- The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
- The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
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HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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