LEBANON: Young refugees find education and hope at Salesian Angels of Peace School
Refugee children face obstacles to accessing education
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Angels of Peace School in Lebanon* has been providing refugee children with education, as well as a psycho-social support program carried out by psychotherapists and speech therapists to address some of the challenges given the war and their displacement.
About 1.2 million people in the country 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.
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.”
One of the schools where refugee children can gain an education is the Angels of Peace School, where Florina Maher Khairi, aged 14, is a student. Years ago, her family fled her home in Mosul, Iraq, amid war and ongoing conflict. Her family settled in Lebanon temporarily while awaiting permits to immigrate to Canada or Australia. Khairi believes in a brighter future and is grateful for her education, which she knows will improve her prospects in the future.
Adapting to her new life was not easy at first. Refugees are denied access to public education and work opportunities. They are stuck in a painful limbo unable to return home due to threats of imprisonment, yet unable to settle permanently in Lebanon.
A Salesian explained, “Their only options are to await official refugee status from the United Nations or to risk everything by attempting dangerous journeys by land or sea, where rejection, deportation, or worse are constant dangers.”
Salesians hope to continue to guarantee education at the school for up 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:
Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
UNHCR – Lebanon
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.
