As the world prepares for the upcoming school year, Lebanon is facing a severe educational crisis that threatens to deprive thousands of children of their right to education. Human Rights Watch, along with concerned citizens and organizations worldwide, has called upon Lebanese authorities and foreign donors to urgently address the funding shortfall in the country’s education system. With the new school year set to begin in October, the situation is dire, as the Lebanese Education Ministry has received only a fraction of the funding it requires to ensure access to quality education for all. This funding crisis not only affects Lebanese students but also places the already vulnerable Syrian refugee children at risk of a fifth year of lost learning opportunities.
Lebanon’s education system has been plagued by funding issues for years, but the current situation is particularly critical. The Lebanese Education Ministry had requested a budget of $150 million for the upcoming school year, but it has only received $50 million, leaving a substantial funding gap. This gap jeopardizes the education of Lebanese children and Syrian refugee students who have already endured disruptions to their learning due to various factors, including protests, COVID-19 restrictions, and teacher strikes.
The consequences of this funding crisis extend far beyond financial matters. The failure to secure adequate funding for education in Lebanon could lead to a fifth year of lost learning for countless children. For Lebanese students, this means continued uncertainty, limited access to educational resources, and an increased risk of dropping out of school. Meanwhile, Syrian refugee children, who are already among the most vulnerable in society, face the prospect of an even bleaker future, with limited opportunities for a quality education.
Foreign donors have played a crucial role in supporting education in Lebanon, primarily focusing on assisting Syrian refugee children. To date, donor governments have contributed over $2.5 billion for this purpose. However, it is essential to recognize that these funds are not exclusively for refugees but are also vital for Lebanese students. The precarious situation in Lebanon requires the continued commitment of international donors to ensure that all children in the country have access to education.
One of the major stumbling blocks in securing education funding for Lebanon is the disagreement between donors and the Education Ministry over funding for teachers’ salaries. This issue has created further challenges and delayed the allocation of funds. It is imperative that all stakeholders come to a consensus on this matter promptly to ensure the timely disbursement of funds for the school year ahead.
Human Rights Watch has called for greater transparency in education funding in Lebanon. It is essential that all funds allocated for education reach their intended beneficiaries and are used effectively to address the educational crisis. Transparency and accountability are critical to ensuring that every dollar invested in education serves the best interests of Lebanon’s children, both Lebanese and Syrian refugees.
The stakes could not be higher. The continued funding crisis in Lebanon’s education system threatens to create a lost generation of children who are deprived of their fundamental right to education. This crisis not only jeopardizes their future but also has broader implications for social stability and development in Lebanon.
Lebanon stands at a critical juncture, where urgent action is needed to secure education funding for its children. The current funding shortfall, if not addressed promptly, could have far-reaching consequences for the educational prospects of Lebanese and Syrian refugee students. Donor governments, the Lebanese authorities, and the international community must come together to bridge the funding gap, ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds, and prevent a lost generation of children in Lebanon. It is not only a matter of human rights but also a crucial step toward a more stable and prosperous future for the country.
