Lebanon Ministry of Education balances school reopening with shelter needs

The Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education has issued a statement addressing the challenge of balancing the right to education with the duty to provide shelter for displaced families. While the academic year began on September 15 in most regions, the use of several public schools as emergency shelters has prevented the resumption of in-person learning in certain areas.

The Ministry is implementing a plan to consolidate shelter centers in coordination with the Ministries of Social Affairs and Interior, along with various emergency response teams. This strategy aims to improve services for displaced persons while gradually vacating schools to restore their primary educational functions.

In the Tyre region, where a high percentage of public schools are currently serving as shelters, the Ministry has collaborated with local authorities, the Union of Tyre Municipalities, and NGOs to establish alternative, dignified housing. To facilitate this transition, the Ministry has made some of its educational buildings available to emergency committees. The delay in resuming classes in Tyre is attributed to the time required to secure and prepare these alternative sites, as the Ministry maintains a policy of not evacuating any shelter until suitable alternatives are ready.