When classrooms turn into shelters and books are replaced by silence, who protects the future of a generation?

In the midst of Lebanon’s most devastating crisis—where war, economic collapse, and a shattered infrastructure left thousands of children without access to school—the Education Continuity Support Project in Lebanon rose as a lifeline.

Launched as part of the Digital School Initiative—one of the global humanitarian initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—and with the generous participation of the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, the project’s mission was clear and unwavering: to ensure that education continues—no matter the circumstances.

From its launch in November 2024 through April 2025, the project demonstrated leadership in emergency education—not only by exceeding its target number of beneficiaries but also by adopting an integrated approach that combined digital learning, psychosocial support, and remedial education.

A Tangible Impact: In Numbers and Humanity

Over 40,000 beneficiaries were reached across 44 schools, where 476 classrooms were rehabilitated and equipped with lighting, whiteboards, heating systems, and student furniture.

More than 14,000 students received stationery and educational supplies to support their return to learning.

15,800 students were supported through 79,424 remedial lessons in Arabic, English, Mathematics, and Science.

6,567 students from the most vulnerable groups—Lebanese and Syrian refugees aged 13 to 18—benefited from comprehensive educational and psychosocial interventions.

82% of students showed measurable academic progress, with an average increase of 5.76 points between pre- and post-assessments.

180 classrooms were fully equipped to provide safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

Geographic Reach: Before and After the Ceasefire

Before the ceasefire, the project prioritized safe areas that hosted displaced families, including Arsal, Ras Baalbek, Fakiha, Al Qaa, Central and West Bekaa, Akkar, and parts of Beirut.

Following the ceasefire on November 27, 2024, the project expanded to reach newly accessible conflict-affected areas such as Baalbek, Saida, Tyre, and the suburbs of Beirut—ensuring that vulnerable children across both host and returnee communities were not left behind.

Self-Learning Initiatives: The Digital Shift

A cornerstone of the project was the activation of the "Keep Learning Now" platform—providing students with continuous, flexible access to the Lebanese curriculum through a self-paced and hybrid learning model.

The platform supported both in-class and at-home learning and was complemented by the development of a full digital curriculum aligned with national standards.

Students and teachers alike were given the tools to access learning resources anytime and anywhere, ensuring that learning never stops—even in crisis.

Equipping Schools for Digital Learning

To ensure the success of digital learning initiatives, schools were outfitted with interactive smart screens, laptops, tablets, projectors, and essential connectivity infrastructure.

This digital equipment enabled the delivery of technology-driven lessons, supported hybrid learning environments, and enhanced the ability of schools to engage students effectively—even in the most challenging conditions.

Empowering the Beating Heart of Education: The Teachers

Teachers were the beating heart of the Education Continuity Support Project. A total of 509 educational staff members were engaged in the initiative, including 346 teachers and 133 administrators.

180 teachers received specialized training in:

Digital instruction tools and platforms

Psychosocial support techniques

Child protection and referral mechanisms

Training was conducted to equip teachers to lead learning in times of emergency.

Teachers were empowered to identify and refer at-risk students, manage classrooms under pressure, and ensure academic progress despite displacement and trauma.

Beyond the Classroom: A Transformative Impact

The project’s reach extended well beyond school walls. It:

Restored trust in schools as safe and reliable places.

Involved parents in supporting children’s emotional and academic recovery.

Reinforced the collective belief that education is a non-negotiable right, even in conflict, and a powerful source of resilience and hope.

Sustaining Hope and Education

The Education Continuity Support Project in Lebanon has set a precedent for how education in emergencies can and should be sustained. Notably, its "Fifth Day" model—adding one day of instruction to the official school week—has drawn attention for possible national adoption.

Its success opened new opportunities for growth and collaboration, laying the foundation for future efforts focused on:

Sustainable digital education systems

Psychosocial support programs for children

Emergency preparedness training for educators

In moments when doing nothing seemed easier, the Education Continuity Support Project in Lebanon stood as a beacon of resilience and hope.

It serves as a powerful reminder that investing in education is the most meaningful investment in humanity.

Even when crises darken the future, through collaboration, innovation, and courage, education can light the way forward—for every child, everywhere.

As we reflect on these efforts, it is important to recognize the unwavering commitment of HAND Organization, whose dedication to education continues to inspire and guide the path to a brighter, more resilient future for Lebanon's children.