Lebanon Starts School Year Amidst Displacement and Damage

Lebanon commenced its academic year on Tuesday, facing significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and widespread displacement. Many schools in southern Lebanon have been damaged or destroyed, with reports indicating that 198 out of 267 schools in the Nabatieh region alone have sustained damage, and 30 have been completely demolished. This destruction has forced many schools to suspend registration, class schedules, and transportation services for at least a week, awaiting further developments.

The Lebanese Ministry of Education has stated its intention to ensure a safe learning environment, but acknowledged that if security conditions do not permit in-person classes, a shift to online learning will be considered. The situation is particularly dire for displaced families, as many public schools currently housing them are expected to reopen, necessitating further displacement for those seeking shelter.

Neighboring Syria also began its school year on September 6th, with over 5.2 million students returning to classes. However, the country, still recovering from civil war, faces infrastructure issues, with some students in the Al-Hasakah province attending classes without doors or proper blackboards. While 1,370 schools were reportedly repaired in 2026, over 6,000 still require rehabilitation.

Other regional countries have also started their academic terms. Jordan began on August 23rd, and Egypt on the past Sunday. In Qatar, a new electronic attendance system called "Khuduri" (My Presence) has been implemented in school buses and classrooms to streamline student check-ins and improve monitoring, aligning with the Ministry of Education's digital transformation goals. The Qatari Minister of Education, Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, previously stated the system would enhance student safety.