The future of Lebanon's youth hangs in the balance with many at risk of losing critical years of education amid war, mass displacement and an ongoing economic crisis. The current war is further destabilizing a sector that has already been struggling for several years now as nearly half of the country's public schools have been turned into shelters for those displaced by the conflict, leaving countless children without access to education

Chairs and desks have been pushed back in classrooms to make way for mattresses and blankets, clean laundry hangs out to dry in the playgrounds where children are usually having their lunch breaks. Throughout the schools, hot meals and water bottles provided by charities have replaced the usual school stationary.

As displacement increased, disparities in the education system became more apparent. Decisions needed to be made to protect students, such as allowing private schools to open in safe areas while keeping those in dangerous zones closed.

Abbas Halabi, the Minister of Education has permitted private schools to use “modern technologies and communication tools” to deliver educational content. Those opting for online learning are required to inform the Ministry’s Private Education Department and ensure that students achieve the expected knowledge and skill levels.

For Asia, a teacher in Tyre, the minister made efforts to find ways for students to continue learning in any form possible, so they could still feel connected to their school and have some sense of a normal school year, however for Asia, regional educational committees did not do enough to be the advocates that teachers and students needed.

“It’s important to remember that teachers are also affected by displacement, just like their students. Without a solid educational framework that balances the needs of both, many students risk losing their entire school year,” Asia told NOW.

This could lead to older students dropping out permanently and younger students missing out on the fundamental education they need for their future, according to Asia.

In the past years, during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents have said they could not afford to buy smartphones for their children, let alone guarantee they would work with constant power cuts disrupting the internet. Many displaced families have fled without their belongings, including laptops and tablets. However, even without these obstacles, not all students enjoy online learning, and many parents have found it to be hectic and ineffective.

Alternatively, private schools may hold in-person classes if they carefully assess the “risks involved in the current situation,” secure approval from the parents’ committee, and notify the Ministry’s Special Education Department. Schools that decide to conduct in-person learning will be fully accountable for any resulting consequences.

On September 24, Hussein Badreddine, a 13-year-old student, arrived at a school in Aley, Chouf, from south Lebanon after a 20 hours trip on the road, escaping the Israeli airstrikes on his town Ain El Delb, not to attend classes as he should have, but to seek refuge with his family. The classroom had been transformed into a makeshift bedroom and kitchen, as the uncertainty of the school year looms amid nearly a month of relentless Israeli bombardment on south Lebanon, Dahye, and Baalbeck.

“I feel sad and miss my friends and teachers and I hope that they are all safe,” said the math-loving student, who had been eagerly looking forward to returning to school.

For Hussein, school gave him a feeling of belonging and stability. “I miss having a routine, the sound of the school bell, and the joy of understanding a difficult lesson after trying so hard,” he said. “I just want to be a student again, to have my books, my desk, and my place in a classroom where I can grow and learn.” 

For many teachers in the country, the solution lies in developing a comprehensive and safe plan that ensures access to education for all students, depending on their circumstances.

Some students can attend classes in safe areas, while others have the resources to follow online learning. However, there is also a large group of students in shelters without internet or communication tools, so alternative educational activities should be organized with the help of international organizations like UNICEF.

Mandatory attendance at the responsibility of parents

Some private schools require parents to sign a waiver, releasing the school from liability, to allow their children to attend classes. In response, the Union of Parent Committees in Private Schools in Lebanon issued a statement recently, urging all parents to refuse to take on any such responsibility and to decline to sign any documents, pledges, or agreements of any kind.

Suzan Abdelkhalek, a resident of a relatively safe area in Mount Lebanon, told NOW that the school administration advised her to sign an agreement stating that her child’s attendance at school would be her responsibility, given the current circumstances of war and uncertainty in the country.

However, Suzan didn’t mind this option, as their home is very close to the school, and she believes that their area won’t be targeted as long as it remains populated only by civilians.

Like many other parents, she prefers sending her son to school because she views online learning as ineffective and a waste of time. She also feels it’s unfair for the entire country’s education to be disrupted because of a war that was forced upon them due to Hezbollah’s decisions in the country.

Is it fair?

Some have argued that for the sake of equality and fairness among students in the country, private education should have been halted as no student should receive a full curriculum while others are left to struggle on their own.

“Opening private schools at this time is unethical, as it appears to be driven solely by the desire to collect tuition fees. The most appropriate approach would be to suspend the school year for two months at least or wait until the situation becomes clearer, as what we need now is more solidarity among all members of Lebanese society,” said a resident in Sidon who wished to only go by his first name, Mohammed. 

Rodayna Raydan is a Lebanese-British journalist. You can follow her on Twitter @Rodayna_462

The views in this story reflect those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of NOW.