Conflict in Israel is resulting in a ‘lost generation’ of students in Lebanon.

As the conflict in Lebanon escalates, the implications for the nation’s youth become increasingly alarming. Experts warn that the ongoing violence has not only disrupted the education of countless Lebanese students but also risks sowing seeds of division within the culturally rich and diverse fabric of Lebanese society. With educational institutions in turmoil, Lebanon faces the daunting challenge of nurturing its future generations amidst the backdrop of economic hardship and political instability.

Beirut, Lebanon – Israel’s military actions have decimated educational resources in southern Lebanon, displacing hundreds of thousands of students and creating alarming disparities within the educational system, according to ZezapTV. As many schools transition into makeshift shelters for the displaced, the already fragile educational infrastructure faces additional strain, exacerbated by Lebanon’s enduring economic crisis.

In light of ongoing hostilities, Lebanon’s schools have adapted by implementing online learning initiatives, but many students are still slipping through the cracks. Education experts have raised concerns that the emphasis on core subjects like science and mathematics comes at the expense of critical citizenship education. This oversight is particularly troubling in a nation characterized by a mosaic of religious and cultural identities, risking the potential for increased societal fragmentation.

The war intensified on March 2, marking the second escalation in less than two years, following Hezbollah’s response to persistent Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory. The recent hostilities have dislodged over 1.2 million people, including approximately 500,000 children of school age, as reported by UNESCO. Many educational facilities have become inaccessible, compounding the challenges faced by a population already grappling with instability.

UNESCO identifies over 339 schools situated in active conflict zones in Lebanon, with hundreds more doubling as shelters for displaced families. The resulting disruption has hindered access to education for an estimated 250,000 children. The shift to hybrid learning during crises, from the 2019 social protests to the COVID-19 pandemic, has further highlighted the systemic inequalities, particularly affecting lower-income students who struggle with inadequate access to technology and stable internet connections.

In response, the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education, in collaboration with UNESCO, has proposed various initiatives such as increased school shifts and temporary learning centers aimed at providing necessary educational support. Additionally, they are integrating psychosocial services to assist students grappling with trauma and instability as a result of the ongoing violence.

Nevertheless, the economic landscape remains challenging. Poverty rates have surged, leaving families with excruciating choices regarding education, heating, and sustenance. As educational emergencies continue to receive minimal humanitarian funding globally, experts warn that such circumstances lead to higher incidences of child labor and early marriage among youth.

Before hostilities surged in October 2023, Lebanon’s educational system was already beleaguered, with marked income inequality contributing to a pronounced decline in the middle class. According to the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies, Lebanon’s Gini coefficient—an indicator of income inequality—has skyrocketed from 0.32 in 2011 to 0.61 in 2023, placing the nation among the most unequal worldwide.

As attacks continue, the educational divide grows, with geography and socio-economic status increasingly dictating access to learning opportunities. The southern regions, particularly affected by displacement and insecurity, witness a drastic decline in school attendance, leaving many students with few options for education.

The disruptions extend to teachers, who endure their own heavy burdens amid ongoing conflict. Many educators, witnessing their salaries plummet by around 80% due to economic devaluation, have left the profession—or the country entirely—seeking better livelihoods and conditions. As public sector educators advocate for fair wages, the cumulative toll of continuous shocks to the education system erodes the prospects for meaningful progress.

Amidst these challenges, observers acknowledge the competence of Education Minister Rima Karami, yet emphasize that lasting improvement requires innovative solutions to redefine educational priorities in Lebanon. Without significant and comprehensive interventions, experts fear that the ongoing crises will inflict irreparable harm on an entire generation, consigning them to a future marked by inequity and division.

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