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EDUCATION

One in three children in Lebanon without access to education, warns UNICEF

One in three children in Lebanon without access to education, warns UNICEF

Children in a school of the UN agency. (Credit: Photo UNICEF)

BEIRUT — On the occasion of the International Day of Education (24 Jan.), UNICEF pledged Friday "to continue to support the Lebanese government in providing access to quality and inclusive education for all children in Lebanon," while also warning, "The number of out-of-school children has increased significantly since 2019 [the onset of the economic crisis], with 1 in 3 school-age children without access to education in Lebanon."

“On the International Day of Education, we underscore the importance of education as an essential and fundamental right for every child and commit to continue supporting the Government of Lebanon in providing access to quality and inclusive education for all children in Lebanon," UNICEF said in a statement.

The United Nations agency, which has been actively involved in supporting Lebanon’s education system, particularly through the Education Ministry, emphasized that despite some progress, significant challenges remain. The agency pointed out that the beginning of the 2024-2025 scholastic year was particularly challenging for children, teachers and families, largely due to the ongoing impacts of war.

UNICEF’s response included supporting MEHE’s emergency efforts to prevent a lost school year by quickly resuming learning when it was safe and feasible. The agency highlighted that this not only contributed to children’s academic progress but also helped provide crucial emotional stability for students amidst the turmoil.

However, UNICEF made it clear that the job is far from complete. The agency strongly urged the Lebanese government to prioritize education, calling for sustained public financing to ensure equitable access to quality, safe and inclusive education for all children, particularly the most vulnerable.

“The job is not yet complete,” UNICEF warned. “We urge the Government of Lebanon to continue to place education at the top of the political agenda with a commitment to equitable and efficient domestic public financing to ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, can access quality, safe and inclusive education."

While UNICEF recognized efforts such as the Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF) that have brought some positive changes, the agency raised concerns over the deepening learning crisis in Lebanon. Many children, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, are falling behind their peers in the region, which further exacerbates the gap in access to education.

“Progress has been made in the education sector in recent years, but there remains a severe education and learning crisis in Lebanon. Many children, especially the most marginalized, are far behind their peers in the region," UNICEF noted.

The agency also warned of the serious risks posed by political and social barriers that continue to prevent many children from accessing their right to education. UNICEF stressed that preventing equitable access to education would not only harm children but also undermine the investments made in Lebanon’s public school system.

“Children should not pay the price of conflicts or political decisions. Preventing equitable access to education risks leaving many children out of school and jeopardizing the investments made, particularly in Lebanon’s public school system," the statement read.

In light of these challenges, UNICEF called for decisions that ensure all children, "regardless of their status, are able to enroll and attend school." The agency emphasized that children, young people, and teachers must be at the heart of national efforts to redesign schooling for every child.

Looking ahead, UNICEF expressed optimism about the future of Lebanon’s education system, stressing that their partnership with the Lebanese government remains strong. The agency also reiterated its commitment to collaborating with partners to accelerate reforms in education.

“We are optimistic that together we can build an education system that equips every child in Lebanon with the skills needed for a brighter future,” UNICEF concluded.

As Lebanon continues to face political and economic turmoil, UNICEF’s warnings highlight the importance of education as a critical tool in shaping the country's future and ensuring that the next generation is not left behind.

BEIRUT — On the occasion of the International Day of Education (24 Jan.), UNICEF pledged Friday "to continue to support the Lebanese government in providing access to quality and inclusive education for all children in Lebanon," while also warning, "The number of out-of-school children has increased significantly since 2019 [the onset of the economic crisis], with 1 in 3 school-age children...