AHMED MURAD (BEIRUT, CAIRO)

Lebanon is currently undergoing a significant deterioration in various service sectors, prominently in education, amidst worsening political and economic crises. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a warning about the escalating danger to most aspects of children’s lives in Lebanon. According to UNICEF’s late 2023 report, “Trapped in a downward spiral,” these crises are increasingly robbing children of educational opportunities, compelling many to work.

Salma Al-Hajj, a writer and professor at Lebanese University, conveyed to Aletihad the extensive impact of the political crisis on Lebanon’s economic and living conditions. This severe multidimensional crisis is considered one of the most painful and significant in the country’s modern history. Al-Hajj highlighted a World Bank report classifying Lebanon’s situation as one of the top three global crises since the mid-19th century. She emphasised that the increasing school dropout rates and thousands of children being deprived of education are among the most severe consequences of Lebanon’s current political and economic turmoil.

UNICEF’s estimates show that 26% of Lebanese families, up from 18% in April 2023, are not sending their children to school, primarily due to dire living conditions. This forces families to choose between covering basic needs and affording school and university fees. Furthermore, the closure of dozens of schools in southern Lebanon, owing to military escalation, has impacted over 6,000 students.

“The majority of families prioritise securing food and drink over education, a natural response after the currency’s devaluation,” Al-Hajj stated.

“Moreover, the deteriorating multi-level situation has plunged many families below the poverty line, compelling them to send children under 18 into the job market to meet daily life requirements,” the professor added.

Al-Hajj noted that Lebanon is facing a catastrophic situation in its education sector, which was once a pillar of the country alongside security, the army, and banks. She pointed out that the education crisis in Lebanon has other dimensions, like brain drain and school strikes by teachers demanding their financial rights, further destabilising the sector.

Maysa Abdel Khalek, a Lebanese political analyst, in her statement to Aletihad, remarked that the education sector is among the most affected by Lebanon’s political and economic crises. This is evidenced by the increasing rates of children deprived of education.

Abdel Khalek observed that Lebanon’s education sector, once renowned for providing the best services in the Arab region, is now facing an unprecedented disaster. This sharp decline may result in many generations being unable to complete their school and university education.