Over 1,000 public schools across Lebanon are sheltering displaced people, Minister Karameh says

Education Minister Rima Karameh announced Wednesday that authorities have opened 1,156 public schools and high schools, along with 75 public institutes, to shelter people displaced by Israeli bombardment. The Ministry of Social Affairs and the national crisis management unit are using the facilities to host those fleeing the strikes. “These establishments are currently sheltering more than 80,000 displaced people,” Karameh said during a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters in Beirut.

"In these exceptional circumstances, it was necessary to make a decision to ensure the continuity of education as much as possible, while safeguarding the safety of students and teachers," she emphasized.

On Monday, Karameh called on public and private educational institutions across Lebanon to resume classes starting Tuesday, March 10, “as much as possible,” either in person or remotely, in order to complete the academic program. She largely left the decision to individual schools, depending on their location and whether their premises were accessible.

The announcement came as escalation continued on the Lebanese front between Israel and Hezbollah, within the broader war involving Israel, the United States and Iran. Israel has been heavily bombing south Lebanon, the Bekaa and Beirut’s southern suburbs, forcing more than 700,000 people to flee their homes.

“A large number of students follow foreign educational programs tied to international exam schedules that we cannot change locally, especially since the remaining school year does not exceed 40 effective days of learning,” Education Minister Karameh added, referring to the requirements of the French and international baccalaureate programs followed by many students in private schools.

Addressing students currently taking refuge in shelter centers, Karameh said they would receive “special attention to ensure they remain connected to education during this period.” Students in public schools and institutes, as well as those at the Lebanese University, will benefit from "remote learning, with regular classes expected to begin early next week."

The minister added that efforts had been made to reduce “the obstacles encountered in online learning,” referring to the major difficulties public schools faced during successive lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic, largely due to a lack of equipment and reliable internet access.

In this context, Rima Karameh announced the creation of an educational crisis unit that will meet daily to monitor developments and take the necessary decisions.