Schools in the country were closed for security reasons

(MissionNewswire) Salesians are responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon*. About 1.2 million people have fled their homes in search of safety, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Homes and public infrastructure have been destroyed, further aggravating the suffering of the civilian population. The closure of  schools continues to threaten the lives and futures of millions of children.

Salesians are seeking support for their Angels of Peace School, which is attended by 250 Iraqi and Syrian refugee children between the ages of 6 and 15. All schools in the country had been closed for security reasons, including the Salesian school located on the outskirts of Beirut, where most of the refugee and asylum-seeker community lives. For now, teachers are able to reach it and use the equipment and stable internet connection to manage distance classes with students.

Since 2015, the Angels of Peace School has been providing education to refugee children, as well as a psycho-social support program carried out by psychotherapists and speech therapists to address some of the challenges of youth given the war and their displacement.

A Salesian noted, “Refugee children in Lebanon face several obstacles to accessing education. Until 2023, they could only attend school in the afternoon, exposed to risks and dangers. This has caused an increase in school dropouts. After the teachers’ strikes against the strong devaluation of their salaries, the afternoon shifts were suspended.”

He added, “Refugee children are de facto excluded from the formal school system and Angels of Peace is the only possibility for them to access quality education. The Salesians want to help cover the costs of buying computers, tablets and internet connection for refugee families who do not have them.”

Salesians hope to continue to guarantee lessons to 250 vulnerable children. This connection to school not only is an avenue for them to continue their education but also to share moments with their peers and have respite from war.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Lebanon – School support for refugee children

UNHCR – Lebanon

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Lebanon

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.