The Lost Generation of Lebanon’s War-Torn Schools

The sound of gunfire and screams still echoes through the halls of schools across Lebanon, where thousands of families have taken refuge from the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. As the new academic year approaches on September 15, the future of education for hundreds of thousands of children hangs in the balance.

Lebanon has traditionally prided itself on its education system, but this proud tradition is under threat from a perfect storm of crises: economic collapse, COVID-19 pandemic, and two devastating wars. The current conflict has disrupted education for hundreds of thousands of children, with half of Lebanon’s public schools being used as shelters at the height of the fighting.

Critics argue that the government’s response to the displacement crisis has created a long-term education crisis, which will have far-reaching consequences for Lebanon’s economy and its young people. Nasser Yassin, director of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, says, “We should not respond to a displacement crisis by creating a long-term education crisis.”

For families like Fatima Khashab’s, living in a makeshift shelter in Tyre’s school gymnasium, the situation is dire. About 200 families are taking refuge in this school, many of whom are from villages farther south that have been destroyed or occupied by Israeli forces. Their children, including Fatima herself, are missing out on crucial learning time, with some students falling behind by as much as three grade levels.

The impact of this lost generation cannot be overstated. Lebanon’s economy relies heavily on the remittances and investments sent back home by educated young people working abroad. If education is disrupted for too long, the country’s future prosperity is at risk. Nora Ingdal, Lebanon country director for Save the Children, notes that there’s an estimated four years of learning loss now.

The international community must take action to support Lebanon’s efforts to rebuild and recover. This includes providing aid to families displaced by the conflict, investing in education infrastructure, and programs that can help mitigate the effects of learning loss. It requires a commitment to long-term solutions – not just temporary fixes – that address the root causes of this crisis.

The displacement crisis has deep roots in politics and conflict. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen hundreds of thousands displaced, with many families forced to flee multiple times. Fatima’s mother, Randa al-Taki, says, “We don’t know if we will be able to go back to our village or if the crisis will get even worse.”

The occupation of southern Lebanon by Israeli forces has also had a devastating impact on local communities. Many villages have been destroyed or occupied, leaving families without homes or livelihoods. The trauma inflicted on these communities will take years to heal – and education is key to that healing process.

Education officials are trying to find ways to mitigate the effects of learning loss through online learning programs. However, this solution poses its own set of challenges, particularly for families without access to reliable internet or devices. Georgia Hachem, adviser to Lebanon’s education minister, notes that around 80 schools are still serving as shelters – but many host a small number of families.

In some cases, those schools will reopen for classes while part of the facility continues as a shelter. In other cases, families will be consolidated in a single location. But this patchwork solution is not a substitute for long-term solutions that address the root causes of this crisis.

Fatima Khashab and her family are just one example of the countless families affected by this conflict. They miss their old life, with its familiar routines and comforts. Fatima pines for her own bed, not a cramped room with tarps for walls. She wants to go back to school and stay in her own house – like any child should be able to do.

As the new academic year begins, Lebanon’s lost generation stands at risk of becoming a permanent fixture on the country’s landscape. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The international community can take action to support Lebanon’s efforts to rebuild and recover – but only if we recognize the true cost of conflict and the importance of education in building a better future for all.