“Education plays a central role in society, protecting young children, including refugees, and preparing them for the future and their role as citizens of the world.” – UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Lazzarini.
Lebanon is hosting almost 150 thousand refugees between the ages of 3 and 18, all of whom are going to receive a quality education in public schools all around the county starting Monday 14 October.
Almost half of those kids do not go to school, especially with the recurring gap in funding concerning public school’s enrolment fees last year; however starting next week, all Lebanese public schools will be opening their doors and a second shift for all kids residing in Lebanon.
This announcement was made on Wednesday 9 October by Minister Chehayeb after his meeting with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Philippe Lazzarini, UNICEF Deputy Representative Violet Speek-Warnery and UNHCR Representative Mireille Girard.
The meeting resulted in an agreement concerning the priority, which is paying the teachers’ salaries and the new funding modalities that will be coming from the UN and the international community.
This comes after the efforts done by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) last week in selecting 15 public schools in various areas in Lebanon for renovation and expansion, aiming for facilitating access to more Lebanese and foreign students.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), together with the international community, has been ensuring that thousands of refugee kids receive their education ever since 2015, providing them with the proper education system as well as free enrollment.
This commitment to guiding children affected by the crisis to go beyond vulnerability is notable. The solidarity between the Lebanese community, the MEHE, the United Nations and donor countries are going to give these kids a chance to dream and build a bright and peaceful future.
