A Beacon of Hope in the Heart of the Storm: How the Education Continuity Project Brought Smiles to Lebanese Children
When War Extinguishes the Lanterns of Learning
Lebanon, a country entwined in crises, often sees its conflicts weigh heaviest on its most vulnerable—its children. With each flare of violence, thousands of young dreams are snuffed out, schools close their doors, and the fundamental right to education becomes an uncertain hope. Since September 2024, Lebanon—particularly its southern regions—has faced escalating humanitarian and educational challenges, with schools transforming into shelters, infrastructure being damaged, and the lifeline of knowledge severed for thousands of children.
When Dreams Are Displaced, Education Must Endure
In the face of shattered classrooms and interrupted learning, one question remained: How could hope be rekindled when every path seemed blocked? It was in this darkest hour that a new light emerged.
A Cross-Border Humanitarian Response: The Birth of Hope
Even in the darkest moments, light finds its way. Under the noble directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, an extraordinary humanitarian initiative was born—a beacon of hope to illuminate the path forward.
This response materialized as the Education Continuity Support Project in Lebanon—an inspiring collaboration between Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, The Digital School (TDS), Emirates Red Crescent, HAND Organization, and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, working closely with Lebanon’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Over seven months, these partners united under one unwavering goal: to ensure that the light of education never dims for Lebanon’s children, regardless of the circumstances.
A Noble Mission: Rebuilding Bridges to Knowledge
This was not a fleeting intervention; it was a noble mission with clear and ambitious objectives. The project aimed to restore hope by offering immediate and innovative educational opportunities to more than 40,000 children affected by the crisis.
Through blended learning, it sought to bridge the gaps left by war while providing psychological and social support to help children heal from trauma. Moreover, it embraced digital education, offering Lebanon’s curriculum in full through the Keep Learning Now – TDS platform, accessible to all.
Recognizing that teachers are the heart of education, the project also empowered hundreds of educators by training them in crisis learning and digital teaching—through a collaboration with the University of Arizona—enabling them to become agents of change.
From Crisis to Classrooms: A Journey Through Challenges
Despite significant obstacles, the project adapted and expanded with remarkable resilience.
Launched amidst conflict, it initially targeted 29 schools in relatively safer regions hosting displaced students, benefiting 10,387 children.
As a ceasefire took hold, the initiative broadened its reach to 45 schools in directly affected areas, extending support to over 16,000 students across different ages (6–18 years) and nationalities, in both public and private schools.
Impact in Numbers: A Story of Resilience
This collective effort translated into concrete achievements, breathing life back into the education system:
A nurturing learning environment: Renovation and furnishing of 467 classrooms, creating safe and stimulating spaces with proper seating, boards, lighting, and heating.
Tools for a brighter future: Distribution of over 14,000 school kits and stationery sets to support students in their educational journey.
Bridging gaps: Delivery of 79,424 remedial lessons to 15,800 students, with 80% showing marked academic improvement.
A gateway to digital knowledge: Enabling access to TDS’s digital learning platform, ensuring uninterrupted education.
Inspired educators: Training and empowerment of 867 teachers and administrators, 300 of whom earned internationally accredited certifications.
Healing minds and hearts: Provision of psychosocial support sessions for 14,000 students, extending awareness to families and fostering safe, supportive school environments.
When Hope Prevails
The Education Continuity Support Project in Lebanon stands as a shining testament to the power of human determination and collective action in achieving extraordinary feats.
It underscores that investing in children’s education is an investment in a brighter, more peaceful future. This initiative proves that the light of learning—no matter how fiercely war may try to extinguish it—remains ignited through steadfast efforts and unwavering will. It restores smiles, renews hope, and reaffirms that education is not a privilege, but a right that must never be lost.
