Beirut, Mar 17: Lebanon’s education system is facing severe disruption as ongoing conflict forces mass displacement and pushes schools into emergency roles, raising concerns over widening inequality among students.
According to officials, more than 1,100 public schools and high schools, along with dozens of vocational institutes, have been placed at the disposal of national disaster authorities to shelter displaced families.
Several educational institutions have already been converted into temporary housing, with classrooms now serving as living spaces.
The Education Ministry has set up a crisis management cell that meets daily to assess the situation and issue decisions.
In the early days of the conflict, authorities allowed schools to adopt flexible learning methods, permitting both in-person and remote classes depending on local security conditions.
While some schools in relatively safer regions have resumed physical classes, many in high-risk areas have shifted entirely to online learning. The Lebanese University has also transitioned to remote education, postponing key academic activities.
However, the dual approach has exposed deep disparities. Students displaced from their homes or living in shelters often lack access to devices, internet connectivity, or a suitable environment for studying, limiting their ability to continue education.
Parents have expressed mixed reactions. Some insist on continuing their children’s education despite challenges, while others say survival needs outweigh schooling during the crisis.
School administrations, meanwhile, continue to grapple with uncertainty. Several institutions have reopened briefly only to shut down again due to security concerns.
Officials say decisions are reviewed on a daily basis to ensure student safety.Education stakeholders note that while the government’s flexible strategy is necessary under the circumstances, its implementation remains uneven, particularly in ensuring equal access to remote learning.
With only a few weeks left in the academic year, authorities are considering extending the school calendar if the conflict persists.
Teachers and families continue to navigate both security and economic challenges, amid fears of long-term impact on students’ learning outcomes.
