UNESCO announced the completion of the rehabilitation project of 280 educational institutions damaged by the Beirut port explosion that struck the Lebanese capital over 18 months ago.
“The twin explosions devastated swathes of the city on 4 August 2020, destroying or damaging 80% of Beirut’s city center infrastructure, including 280 educational institutions. They keep at least 85,000 students out of school,” said UNESCO in a press release on Monday,
The project was initiated by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, under the Li Beirut initiative in support of the Lebanese people.
UNESCO provided the total cost of $35 million. “Thanks to these funds, rehabilitation works started quickly. And, despite the pandemic, the work continued until it was fully completed today,” stated the organization.
Audrey Azoulay commented that this project is a promise kept.
“It is a demonstration of our Organization’s ability to mobilize and act quickly after a major crisis. UNESCO is determined to support its Member States and contribute to access to education, which is a fundamental right,” she noted.
The 280 rehabilitated educational institutions include 228 schools, 32 universities, and 20 training centers.
UNESCO also provided the institutions with equipment, appliances, and restoration in 11 school libraries in Beirut. It also trained librarians and teachers, and collected books.
